The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without a staple of their high-powered offense Sunday.
Left tackle Donovan Smith has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will be unavailable versus the Falcons. Smith announced Friday morning he's in self-quarantine after having close contact with a family member who recently tested positive for COVID-19, leaving him out of a crucial Week 15 bout that Tampa Bay (8-5) needs to improve its playoff prospects.
"I wish I could be out there with my guys for this important game, but I understand and respect the protocols that have been put in place for the safety of our players, coaches and staff," Smith said in a statement.
The Bucs' blindside protector has started all 92 games he's played in over his six-year career, missing just one contest during that span. Coach Bruce Arians said utility tackle Josh Wells will fill in for Smith, just as he did last year in Week 15 versus the Lions.
Tampa Bay removed punter Bradley Pinion, kicker Ryan Succop and long snapper Zach Triner from the reserve/COVID-19 list. The team also designated kicker Greg Joseph and offensive lineman Ted Larsen as practice squad evaluations
Here's other news, injuries and transactions we're tracking on Friday:
- Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris said wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) will be out for a second straight week against the Buccaneers.
- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson said cornerback Darius Slay is still in the concussion protocol. The team placed offensive tackle Jack Driscoll and cornerback Avonte Maddox on injured reserve.
- The New York Giants designated running back Devonta Freeman (ankle/hamstring), who's on injured reserve and came off the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, to return to practice.
- New York Jets pass rusher Jordan Jenkins is having surgery to repair a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder on Tuesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The impending free agent had been playing through the injuries since Week 3. Qide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) is questionable against the Rams on Sunday.
- Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr suffered a significant groin injury and is expected to be sidelined 10-14 days, per Rapoport. Carr is still hoping to play next Saturday versus the Dolphins if possible, Rapoport added. The team placed cornerback Daryl Worley on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (ribs) is questionable for Sunday versus the Titans after being limited in practice Friday. Interim coach Darrell Bevell assured Stafford would make the trip. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hip) has again been ruled out. Center Frank Ragnow (throat) was also ruled out.
- The Chicago Bears restored offensive lineman LaCale London to the practice squad from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is on track to return this weekend after missing four games due to a rib injury, per Rapoport. Wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out, per NFL Network's James Palmer.
- Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Sidney Jones (Achilles) has been ruled out versus the Ravens.
- Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Teller is "week to week" with his ankle injury. Tight ends David Njoku (knee) and Austin Hooper (neck) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson are all questionable, though Stefanski said he expects Ward and Hooper to play.
- The Los Angeles Rams placed tackle Bobby Evans and defensive back Nick Scott on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (knee) has been ruled out versus the Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle), tight end Evan Engram (calf) and tight end Kaden Smith (knee) are questionable
- Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack and tight end Jimmy Graham are questionable for Sunday versus the Vikings.
- Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich said punter Rigoberto Sanchez, just two weeks out from undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, will play Sunday versus the Texans. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable. Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (knee) is also questionable.
- Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki and wide receivers Jakeem Grant and DeVante Parker are questionable for Sunday versus the Patriots.
- Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez (back) is out for Sunday versus the Eagles, paving the way for Mike Nugent to be elevated from the practice squad. Running back Chase Edmonds (ankle) and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (hamstring) are questionable.
- Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (illness) and cornerback Adoree' Jackson (knee) are questionable for Sunday versus the Lions.
- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel and George Kittle have been ruled out for Sunday versus the Cowboys and linebacker Fred Warner (stinger) is questionable. Running back Raheem Mostert (ankle) does not have a game designation and is good to go, per coach Kyle Shanahan.
- Seattle Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap (foot) and offensive tackle Brandon Shell (ankle) are questionable for Sunday against Washington.
- The Baltimore Ravens announced wide receivers coach David Culley will not coach Sunday versus the Jaguars due to illness. He will be replaced by assistant coach Craig Ver Steeg. Cornerback Jimmy Smith is out with rib and shoulder injuries. CornerbackMarcus Peters (calf) and defensive end Calais Campbell (calf) are questionable.
- Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deante Burton (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday against the 49ers. Running back Ezekiel Elliott and safety Xavier Woods (groin) are listed as questionable.
- The Denver Broncos elevated kicker Taylor Russolino and linebacker Josh Watson from the practice squad.
- New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (ankle) and cornerback J.C. Jackson (knee) are questionable to play Sunday versus the Dolphins.
- Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday versus the Bears.
