Wednesday’s practice provided mostly good news on the Bucs injury situations heading into Week 8. Linebacker Lavonte David and tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to practice in helmets and shoulder pads. David has been out since a sprained ankle in Week 5, and Gronkowski has missed four straight games with fractured ribs. Cornerback Richard Sherman also seemed to be warming up to participate. Sherman pulled his hamstring against the Eagles in Week 6, and has been out of the lineup since.
Some good news for the #Bucs as Rob Gronkowski was in shoulder pads with a helmet and practicing today, as was Lavonte David.
Richard Sherman was warming up like he would go.
Antonio Brown was not participating.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) October 27, 2021
Unfortunately, Antonio Brown was not participating in Wednesday’s practice. He was spotted by reporters with a crutch on the sidelines during the warmup period. Brown has 29 catches for 418 yards and four touchdowns in just five games this season. If he can’t play against the Saints, it would mark his third missed game of the year. Brown was inactive against the Rams while on the COVID list.
Antonio Brown had a crutch with him as he recovers from an ankle injury. He was talking with Sherman and Jason Licht before practice. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/HQZo7zsloy
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) October 27, 2021
Cornerbacks Dee Delaney and Jamel Dean were both injured against the Bears, and did not return. After the game, Arians indicated Dean was fine, while Delaney vowed to play against the Saints. Both defensive backs were seen at Wednesday’s practice in shoulder pads and helmets. They seem good to go for Sunday’s key divisional contest.
TE Rob Gronkowski (ribs), LB Lavonte David (ankle), CB Richard Sherman (hamstring) was at practice during the portion open to the media. WR Scotty Miller (IR with turf toe) did some running on a side field. CBs Jamel Dean and Dee Delaney, who left Sunday’s game, are back.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 27, 2021
Wide receiver Scotty Miller, placed on injured reserve with turf toe before Week 4, was seen running on the side during practice. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, out since Week 1 with a dislocated elbow, also ran on the side. Both players are unlikely to be active this week, but could potentially be ready after the Week 9 bye.
Surprise at Bucs practice: Scotty Miller back for first time and running as he works back from turf toe. Seems like he could be back practicing after the bye week … pic.twitter.com/6nylKAG8tT
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 27, 2021
The Bucs (6-1) travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints (4-2) in Week 8.