The Buccaneers encountered new developments of both positive and negative news on the injury front Thursday.
Receiver Antonio Brown (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice, while tight end Cameron Brate (back) was limited.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport later reported, per an informed souce, that Brate's limited participation was out of an abundance of caution as the 29-year-old was dealing with "back discomfort." As of now, Brate still plans to play on Sunday, Rapoport added.
Brown was unable to play in Tampa Bay's NFC Championship Game win over Green Bay due to the knee injury, and his status has been closely monitored in the week and a half since. His Thursday upgrade was the first improvement since he suffered the injury in the Buccaneers' win over the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round.
Brate's injury, meanwhile, is a new development. Tampa Bay has a No. 1 tight end in Rob Gronkowski, but Brate has filled the No. 2 role since O.J. Howard was lost for the season due to injury.
Brate joins teammates Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle), Lavonte David (hamstring) and Jordan Whitehead (shoulder) in the group of those limited in practice this week. All three were also limited Thursday, meaning we'll have to continue to monitor their injury statuses heading into the weekend.
Official designations ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl LV will arrive Friday afternoon.
