NFL Player News

Goedeke (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The fourth-year pro from Central Michigan practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week but will play through his ankle issue in the Week 18 divisional matchup, a game Tampa Bay must win to keep its playoff hopes alive. With Goedeke healthy, he's expected to operate as the team's top right tackle Saturday.

Brown (illness) wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Should Brown be officially deemed a 'DNP' on Thursday's injury report, he'll have one more opportunity to practice ahead of Sunday's season finale against the Browns. If the running back ends up sidelined this weekend, added backfield reps in Week 18 would be available for Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks.

Nelson (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Nelson is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained knee suffered in Tampa Bay's Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The 28-year-old is an important part of the Buccaneers' linebacker corps, recording 38 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles over 15 appearances this season. While he's sidelined during Saturday's must-win matchup, expect Chris Braswell to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

Morrison (hamstring) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 21-year-old rookie from Notre Dame upgraded from a DNP on Tuesday to a full practice session Thursday, suggesting he's moved past his hamstring issue in time to play Saturday. Morrison has played well throughout his rookie campaign, recording 24 total tackles and four passes defensed over nine appearances. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Buccaneers' top outside cornerbacks in the Week 18 contest.

Henry (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Henry didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to the field a day later suggests that his absence may have been maintenance-related. The Patriots' upcoming injury report will reveal whether the team's top TE was limited or worked fully in Thursday's session.

Dean (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 29-year-old corner didn't practice all week and is now in line to miss his third game of the season Saturday. Dean is a crucial part of the Buccaneers' secondary, recording 46 total tackles, nine passes defensed, including three interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 14 appearances this season. Expect Benjamin Morrison, Josh Hayes and Kindle Vildor to operate as Tampa Bay's top boundary cornerbacks while Dean is sidelined in Week 18, a matchup the Buccaneers must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Boutte (concussion) is practicing Thursday without a red non-contact jersey, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Boutte appears on track to practice in full Thursday, but the Patriots haven't yet officially disclosed whether he's cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. In any case, Boutte looks to be trending toward a return to the field during Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins, but to do so he'll need to gain full clearance from the concussion protocol, including from an independent neurologist.

Hunt (illness) did not practice Thursday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Hunt will miss a second straight practice due to an ailment he's managing. Unless he's able to resume practicing in full Friday, it looks like the veteran running back will be assigned an injury designation for Sunday's season finale against the Raiders. Isiah Pacheco could get a chance to handle a workhorse backfield role in Week 18 if Hunt can't go.

Worthy (illness) is not practicing Thursday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Worthy is now sitting out a second straight practice due to illness, making him seem legitimately up-in-the-air for Sunday's season finale against Las Vegas. The second-year pro's finale chance to get back on the practice field will come Friday. If Worth can't play Week 18, it will be Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Royals who act as the starting three wideouts for quarterback Chris Oladokun.

Jackson (back) was present for Thursday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

After logging a full practice Wednesday, Jackson's presence for Thursday's session has him tracking toward returning to the starting lineup Sunday night against the Steelers. On Wednesday, coach John Harbaugh told Hensley that he was "very optimistic" about Jackson playing this weekend, and if the QB is officially deemed a full participant once again Thursday, he'd presumably be in line to head into the weekend without a Week 18 injury designation.