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The Bucs are entering a crucial three-game stretch that will determine their playoff fate, so it’s key that the roster is at peak health for the upcoming slate.
As of Thursday, that seems to be Tampa Bay’s situation.
Jamel Dean —who’s missed the last two games with concussion and groin issues— was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday’s practice after getting in a limited session on Wednesday. Offensive lineman Joe Haeg was also upgraded to a full practice session after missing Wednesday with an illness. Both players should suit up on Sunday.
All four of the Bucs’ DNPers were listed as not injury related, so that bodes well for their Sunday status, as well.
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It’s a different story when it comes to Atlanta’s injury report. There are some big names missing practice. Players such as Julio Jones, Kaleb McGary, Ricardo Allen, Marlon Davidson, and Darqueze Dennard all missed practice on Thursday. Grady Jarrett was limited after practicing in full on Wednesday, which could turn into a big deal.
McGary missed last week’s game due to personal matters and so far, it looks like he may miss Sunday’s game. That’s a big blow for a struggling offensive line going up against a Tampa Bay defense that recorded 12 quarterback hits and five sacks against the Vikings in Week 14. Davidson was downgraded from limited on Wednesday to out on Thursday, so he’s trending in the wrong direction himself.
If Jones misses this week’s game it’ll mark his fifth absence of the season.
Be sure to check back in on Friday for Sunday’s final injury report.