It took until Friday, but right tackle Tristan Wirfs and center Ryan Jensen did return to Bucs practice. It remains to be seen if either will play this Sunday against the Rams. But the fact that both were able to take the field on Friday was a big step in the right direction. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians was encouraged, but acknowledged both players will be game-time decisions.

“They both moved around in individual drills,” Arians said. “We didn’t put them in any team stuff so they wouldn’t get tripped or anything. It’s still 48 hours. They’re progressing nicely.”

Jensen, who has been out at practice without a boot on this week, seems more likely to play. Arians acknowledged earlier in the week that the center’s ankle injury is less severe. Meanwhile, Wirfs is dealing with a high ankle sprain. Depending on the severity, those typically take 4-6 weeks to heal. The fact that Wirfs is out there at all is crazy. If he can’t play, Josh Wells would likely start at right tackle.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Arians admitted he won’t make a decision about their availability until “an hour-and-a-half before the game”.

“There’s not that much (swelling),” Arians said of Wirfs’ ankle. “That leg is so big it’s hard to tell.”

A few other Bucs have less of a shot to play on Sunday. Wide receiver Breshad Perriman and running back Ronald Jones didn’t practice for the third straight day. Arians revealed Perriman’s injury and indicated both players would be long shots against the Rams.

“[Ronald Jones] didn’t do anything,” Arians said. “It really wasn’t a hip injury (for Perriman). He’s got a torn muscle in his side.”

In Perriman’s stead, another veteran receiver is likely to step up. The Bucs signed John Brown a week ago, just in case Perriman’s situation worsened. Now the former 1,000-yard receiver could play a role on Sunday. Currently, the Bucs have Mike Evans, Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller and Jaelon Darden ready to go for Sunday. Cyril Grayson could also play, after missing the past two days of practice and last week’s game with a hamstring injury.

“John Brown has looked really good,” Arians said. “He fit right in, had a lot of recall for what we were doing. So yeah, we’ll see if we’re gonna make that move. Because Cyril [Grayson] practiced today some and looked ok.”

As for Jones, his absence is less of a concern. Leonard Fournette seems poised to return to the lineup after being a surprise scratch last week. Fournette hurt his hamstring in Week 15, and is still on injured reserve.

“Leonard Fournette, he looks fine,” Arians said. “He looks good. He didn’t have the setback he had last week. So we’ll wait and see.”

The Bucs host the Rams on Sunday at 3pm EST.