Key pass-rusher Calijah Kancey eyes a return as the Buccaneers head to Miami, fighting for a division title and playoff hopes.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have the services of pass-rusher Calijah Kancey again before the end of the regular season as the team battles for the NFC South title and a spot in the playoffs.
The Buccaneers opened Kancey's 21-day practice window Wednesday, and the defensive tackle returned for limited practices just days ahead of Tampa's near must-win matchup Sunday at Miami.
A first-round pick (19th overall) for the Buccaneers in the 2023 NFL draft, Kancey was placed on injured reserve in mid-September, after suffering a torn pectoral in Tampa's Week 2 win over the Houston Texans.
The Bucs (7-8) face the Dolphins (6-9) on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. A win ensures Tampa will play for a division title at home in Week 18 against the Carolina Panthers (8-7).
However, a loss against the Dolphins, who were ousted from playoff contention last week, coupled with a Panthers win over the Seattle Seahawks (12-3), would clinch the NFC South for Carolina and eliminate the Buccaneers. The Panthers play host Sunday to a Seahawks team currently leading the NFC West and looking to clinch the No. 1 seed.
The Buccaneers, as they have been all season, are dealing with injuries, but could see one of their key defensive pieces if things go well this week.
It is far from a guarantee Kancey will return for Sunday's matchup, but the he and the team may push to get the speedy Miami native back before the end of the season as they try to salvage a division title with the team sitting at 7-8 following a 6-2 start.
Bucs outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (knee) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) have both missed two days of practice so far. Their respective statuses Friday will be telling for Sunday, though Wirfs may just be getting rest this week.
Receiver Chris Godwin on Thursday was downgraded to out for Sunday after being limited Wednesday with a fibula injury. LB Lavonte David and WR Mike Evans also missed practice to rest on Thursday.
Tight end Devin Culp (illness), defensive lineman Logan Hall (knee) and WR Kameron Johnson (knee) were all full participants Thursday.
For the Dolphins, four players did not practice Thursday: center Aaron Brewer (neck), WR Dee Eskridge (toe), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) and cornerback Isaiah Johnson (knee).
Four Dolphins were listed as limited in practice: LB Tyrel Dodson (chest), DT Benito Jones (back), kicker Jason Sanders (right hip) and TE Darren Waller (rest/groin).
Three players were listed as full participants Thursday: S Ifeatu Melifonwu (thumb/groin), offensive lineman Andrew Meyer (triceps) and WR Jaylen Waddle (wrist).
We'll find out Friday who is good to go for what now is the most important game of the season for the Buccaneers.