The Bucs have been chasing health all year. They have missed key starters in every game but have still hobbled to an NFC South division leading record through 12 weeks. This could be the week they turn the corner on their health issues. Earlier this week Todd Bowles confirmed he expected receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, and defensive lineman Calijah Kancey – all three currently on injured reserve – to return to action this season.
And now on Thanksgiving it looks like the Bucs can be thankful for improving health from players currently on the active roster. Several players took steps forward from where they were listed on yesterday’s injury report. And most importantly…everyone practiced.
Two Key Bucs’ Return To Practice
Outside linebacker Anthony Nelson (ribs) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder), both of whom did not participate in the team’s walk through yesterday, returned to action today in limited capacities. Nelson was already filling in for starter Haason Reddick since week eight and is a key reserve on the Bucs defense.
Baker Mayfield takes warmup tosses at practice Thurs. Haason Reddick, Ben Bredeson, Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison all look fine and workng. Anthony Nelson is back from an illness. pic.twitter.com/RpAWw9WcPR
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 27, 2025
Speaking of Reddick, he practiced for the second consecutive game in a limited capacity. The Bucs defense has fallen off a cliff since his week seven injury. If he can return to action this week the chances Tampa Bay’s defense, which has leaked like a sieve over the past three weeks, can improve substantially.
Improving Designations
Three starters moved from limited participants on Wednesday to full participants on turkey day. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs (shoulder), receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) and cornerback Jamel Dean (hip) are tracking to play on Sunday. Wirfs wasn’t much of a question, but Godwin Jr.’s track shows his leg is responding well as he ramps up his return from a broken bone. Dean, who is in the midst of a career year, should be a welcome addition to a defense that struggled on the backend without him.
Bucs Cb Jamel Dean And Olb Yaya Diaby
Bucs CB Jamel Dean and OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: USA Today
Bucs Injury Report
Baker Mayfield – Left Shoulder – Limited Participation
Anthony Nelson – Ribs – Limited Participation
Ben Bredeson – Hamstring – Limited Participation
Jamel Dean – Hip – Full Participation
Chris Godwin Jr. – Fibula – Full Participation
Benjamin Morrison – Hamstring – Limited Participation
Haason Reddick – Ankle/Knee – Limited Participation
Tristan Wirfs – Shoulder – Full Participation
Bucky Irving – Shoulder/Foot – Full Participation
Sterling Shepard – Shoulder – Full Participation
Rashad Wisdom (IR) – Quad – Full Participation
Cardinals Injury Report
Kelvin Beachum – Groin – Did Not Participate
Baron Browning – Concussion – Limited Participation
Kei’Trel Clark – Personal – Did Not Participate
Emari Demercado – Ankle – Did Not Participate
Will Hernandez – Hip/Knee – Did Not Participate
Walter Nolen III – Knee – Did Not Participate
Josh Sweat – Eye – Did Not Participate
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson – Ankle – Did Not Participate
Trey Benson (IR) – Knee – Did Not Participate
Hayden Conner (IR) – Knee – Limited Participation
Marvin Harrison Jr. – Illness – Limited Participation
Will Johnson – Back/Hip – Limited Participation
Christian Jones (IR) – Knee – Limited Participation
Zonovan Knight – Knee – Limited Participation
Max Melton – Heel – Did Not Participate
Xavier Weaver – Shoulder – Limited Participation