The Bucs announced on Thursday afternoon that defensive tackle Akiem Hicks has been downgraded to out for Thursday night’s game against the Ravens at home in Raymond James Stadium.

Bucs DT Akiem Hicks – Photo by: USA Today

When the final injury report came out on Wednesday, Hicks was listed as questionable for the game with a foot injury. One day later, and hour before the game, Hicks is now out. A similar occurrence went on last weekend when cornerback Carlton Davis was listed a questionable and then downgraded to out on Saturday.

There wasn’t a huge chance that Hicks was going to play. Head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that it was doubtful that he would be available.  He did return to practice on a limited basis this week for Monday and Tuesday, so it looks like a return could be coming soon.

This will be the sixth game in a row that the veteran defensive tackle is missing. He last played in Week 2 where he had to exit the game early before Bucs defeated the Saints.

Bucs Defensive Line Rotation

With Hicks out, the Bucs will continue their defensive tackle and nose tackle rotation from the previous weeks of Vita Vea, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Will Gholston, Logan Hall and Deadrin Senat along the line.