Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Week 13 initial injury report

A few Buccaneers players were able to return to practice on Wednesday, but Tampa Bay still has a lengthy report with the Carolina Panthers coming to town.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their initial injury report for their Week 13 contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Some critical defensive contributors returned to practice, but the Bucs still have a lengthy injury report to open the week.

Let’s start with the good news.

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Both Lavonte David and Justin Evans returned to practice in a limited capacity. With the defense primed for a massive overhaul in 2019, David and Evans are two building blocks. David is still an elite linebacker, and Evans has shown signs to be a long-term option the secondary.

Hopefully, the two can finish the season healthy as they look to make things right in 2019. More so for Evans, who is only in his second NFL season.

On another positive note, DeSean Jackson also practiced in a limited role on Wednesday. Initial reports stated that he would head to New York for a second opinion on his hand injury, but they changed later, as Jackson will try and play this week.

Jackson has taken his fair share of flak this week, but the speedy wideout is still a dangerous weapon if he and quarterback Jameis Winston can get on the same page.

Three defensive backs were unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice. Rookie corners Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart and safety Isaiah Johnson. It might be another thin secondary for Tampa Bay this week.

Davis was forced out of last week’s game with an injury and Stewart missed the game entirely.

For the Panthers, the injuries could be a factor on Sunday. Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil, Curtis Samuel, and Eric Reid were all unable to practice. Some other key players were listed, but it was just for veterans rest.

Find the full injury report here.