After missing the Week 12 matchup against the Colts, Bucs guard Ali Marpet was back warming up with his teammates during the media viewing window of practice on Wednesday. After the session, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians confirmed Marpet was back at practice.

Marpet left early in Tampa’s victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football with a strained oblique. The injury sidelined him for Sunday’s contest in Indianapolis. His backup, Aaron Stinnie, then injured his knee against the Colts. That thrust second-year reserve lineman Nick Leverett into action. Leverett held his own, and was rewarded with a game ball following the Bucs 38-31 victory.

Marpet has been on a Pro Bowl trajectory this season. Getting him back in the lineup will be huge for the Bucs stretch run. Earlier in the season, teammate Mike Evans verbally campaigned for the sixth-year pro to make his first Pro Bowl appearance. Marpet’s play on the field has warranted the hype, allowing just one sack on the year and three penalties. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the seventh best guard in the NFL with an 80.8 rating.

Tampa Bay is getting healthier at the right time as the playoff picture continues to shape out. The injury report will tell a more complete story on the extent of Marpet’s practice availability but having him out there is a good sign.

The Bucs are on the road again this week as they face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.