The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to keep momentum moving. After getting a big win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, they are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11 as Jameis Winston prepares to face a tough defense. With injuries having hit the offense hard in recent weeks, the Buccaneers could be getting back healthy bodies in time to head to Philadelphia as Vincent Jackson returned to the practice field.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Jackson participated in individual drills on Thursday which brings some hope for his status on Sunday. The receiver has been dealing with a knee problem that simply has not gone away. In his absence, Tampa Bay has scored just four offensive touchdowns in three games. Mike Evans has been carrying the weight while Winston has been trying to be the hero more times than not. Getting Jackson back would be huge for the offense, but Tampa Bay is not making any guesses about his status yet.
"It's good to get the guys back there doing something,'' coach Lovie Smith said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "You want as many options as possible. He was limited today. Yesterday, (Jackson) wasn't able to do anything. Today, he was able to get a few reps and able to run around a little bit, which is a step in the right direction.''
One player still a mystery for the Buccaneers is Austin Seferian-Jenkins who continues to sit out with a shoulder injury. According to CBSSports.com, the tight end has not been cleared for contact. While he has participated in practice in limited fashion, he is not expected on the field until he is allowed to take hits. Getting Jackson back would at least help offset the absence of the tight end who has not been seen on the field since Week 2.
The Buccaneers are trying to open up the playbook, but the lack of playmakers is hurting the effort. The offense has been resorted to Evans in the endzone or Winston running for his life. Doug Martin's production has slipped along with Charles Sims' and now offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is left trying to figure out other options. One thing the coach is not interested in seeing is Winston diving into the defense.
"I feel sick to my stomach," Koetter said, via ESPN.com. "There's no question he's willing to do anything. You can never question Jameis' heart. So from that standpoint -- shoot, I tell Lovie to talk to him about that because he's not listening to me. You can't question his heart, but that is a very dangerous play. It's dangerous injury [potential] to me, No. 1, which would hurt our football team. And second, as many times as you see guys do that, they fumble it a lot."
Winston is known for his rushing abilities. That is one thing that made him such a high draft pick. With the lack of weapons around him, that type of play could continue. Set to face a much tougher defense in the Philadelphia Eagles, Winston will be forced to get creative.
