The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to have back Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Vincent Jackson back from injury in Week 10, but there is a chance the players will not return Sunday for Jameis Winston. Doug Martin and Charles Sims have been splitting carries and this week Martin may be the better fantasy football starter for the Bucs.
The Buccaneers come into the game after a loss against the Giants and now they have another NFC East opponent in the Dallas Cowboys. The team has had to play without Jenkins and Jackson for long stretches this season with both players dealing with injuries and that has put pressure on Mike Evans and Donteea Dye at wide receiver. The team also lost Louis Murphy for the season and the Buccaneers are hoping that Jackson and Jenkins can return soon.
Jenkins looks like he is closer to coming back than Jackson, as he was able to practice this week, while Jackson has been out again. Greg Auman at the Tampa Bay Times reports that Jackson is still not practicing while dealing with a knee injury and at this point it's unlikely he returns for Week 10. Jackson being out has forced Winston to look at Evans more on offense and last week the wideout had 19 targets come his way. Defenses can focus on Evans to make Winston throw elsewhere and right now the Bucs do not have an option who is close to the talent level of Jackson to line up with Evans.
Jenkins has been dealing with a shoulder injury and has not played for the Buccaneers since Week 2 of the season. The team used Brandon Myers and Luke Stocker against the Giants and there is a chance that Jenkins could be ready to play on Sunday for the Bucs. Jenkins was at practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was able to participate on a limited basis, but he has not yet been cleared to play for the Buccaneers.
Jenkins spoke with reporters about the injury on Thursday and said that he feels "great" and that the medical staff has not yet cleared him to play. Jenkins has only played in 11 games over the past two seasons and he has the potential to be an offensive weapon for the Bucs. Jenkins has four total touchdowns in those 11 games and this season he has seven catches for 139 yards and two scores. Jenkins could be a solid fantasy pickup for teams once he returns.
