Josh McCown returns to practice for Buccaneers

Josh McCown returned to practice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today, according to Roy Cummings. The quarterback hasn't taken the field since week three of the regular season, when a thumb injury forced him to the sideline. That sprained thumb had kept him sidelined until this week, with Mike Glennon filling in admirably. It's not clear whether McCown's return to the practice field will also mean a return to the starting lineup.

Mike Glennon played reasonably well, although he struggled in his last game against the Baltimore Ravens. Glennon was far from perfect, but he certainly looked better than Josh McCown did the first couple of games, especially in his willingness to pull the trigger on downfield throws. However, Lovie Smith has refued to commit to either Glennon or McCown as the team's starter going forward.

The Bucs also had a number of other players sitting out practice today, including starters Vincent Jackson and Anthony Collins as well as Keith Tandy and Danny Lansanah, per Jenna Laine. Safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Johnthan Banks both returned to practice, per Chris Fischer, so at least the struggling secondary should be healthier.

Collins' and Lansanah's absences are new. That may just be routine maintenance, but if the team's starting left tackle can't play the Bucs will have yet another problem to deal with on an already depleted offensive line. Vincent Jackson is probably just resting his injured wrist and ribs.