Gerald McCoy returns to practice for Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have to play Sunday’s game agains the Minnesota Vikings without the help of linebacker Kwon Alexander, who’s missed the second practice in a row with a hamstring injury. Alexander made some vaguely positive comments about his injury after last Sunday’s game, but those haven’t been reflected on the practice field.

Gerald McCoy, meanwhile, returned to practice today, albeit in limited fashion. He has some kind of ankle injury, and the quick return to practice probably means he’ll be fine for Sunday’s game. Defensive tackle Chris Baker and defensive end Jacquies Smith continue to be absent from practice with an illness, as the flu is roaming through One Buc Place.

The Minnesota Vikings are almost entirely healthy, with the exception of Sam Bradford, who continues to be limited in practice. We still don’t know whether he can play on Sunday or whether the Vikings will be forced to turn to Case Keenum yet again.