Coming out of Thursday’s practice, the Bucs are getting healthier and the Panthers are not. Tampa Bay upgraded a few players on Thursday, while the Panthers placed two players on the COVID list. CB Stephon Gilmore and WR Shi Smith are both in protocols. It’s assumed both players will miss Sunday’s game as a result.

Here are the Thursday injury reports for both teams:

The Bucs will be without three defensive starters this week, as Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David are all unlikely to play. But Sean Murphy-Bunting and Mike Edwards seem good to go, so the Tampa secondary should be at full strength for the first time this season. Depth defensive backs Richard Sherman (limited) and Rashard Robinson (did not participate) remain question marks.

On offense, Mike Evans improved to a full participant, while Ryan Jensen returned in a limited capacity. Tampa Bay can’t afford to lose more offensive firepower this season. So those upgrades are great news. Also, kick returner Jaelon Darden moved to a full participant on Thursday. Darden is returning from the COVID list after missing two games.

However, the Bucs might be short-handed at running back on Sunday. Ronald Jones missed his second straight practice with a sprained ankle. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Le’Veon Bell will likely lead the way against Carolina. On special teams, Bradley Pinion seems ready to resume his punting duties after missing two games.

Panthers Injury Report

In Carolina, the Panthers are already down their top four cornerbacks. Now a fifth will be out as well, with Gilmore testing positive. Second-year cornerback C.J. Henderson practiced in a limited role for the second straight day. Last night, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos was added to the COVID list. As if that wasn’t enough, Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown was a Thursday addition to the injury report with an elbow issue.

On offense, the Panthers might be without wide receiver Robby Anderson. The team’s second-leading receiver hasn’t practiced either of the past two days. The Panthers already placed Smith on the COVID list and Terrace Marshall on injured reserve this week. D.J. Moore might be anchoring the Carolina offense by himself on Sunday.