Antonio Brown is headed for further evaluation on a knee injury that kept him on the sideline for the majority of Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints.
Brown is set to undergo an MRI on his knee, Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians told reporters Monday.
Brown played just 27 offensive snaps in the Divisional Round triumph, with a mere three snaps coming in the final two quarters of a tight game in which Brown caught one pass for 10 yards. Tampa Bay instead relied on Tyler Johnson and Scott Miller to replace Brown in the Bucs' receiving corps in the second half, with the latter making a spectacular catch on a back-shoulder throw down the sideline early in a drive that ended in Ryan Succop's go-ahead field goal.
Tampa Bay can make do without Brown if necessary, but Brown's presence makes the Buccaneers that much more dangerous against a team that brings its own brand of high-flying football to Sunday's NFC Championship Game. We'll stay tuned throughout the week to see if the veteran receiver can get ready in time for Sunday.
The Bucs designated defensive tackle Vita Vea for return from injured reserve, which opens the door for him to be activated for Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Packers. Vea has been out since Week 5 with a fractured ankle.
Here's other injury and roster news we're tracking on Monday:
- Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in the concussion protocol. Mahomes exited in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Browns and did not return. "We'll just follow that and see how he does here the next couple days," Reid said. Safety Daniel Sorensen won't be suspended for spearing Cleveland wide receiver Rashard Higgins, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. The play will be reviewed for a possible fine, which is standard. Sorensen was not flagged for the helmet-to-helmet hit that produced a fumble and touchback.
- Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the team will be careful this week with running back AJ Dillon but he's "hopeful" the rookie can play Sunday versus the Buccaneers. Dillon exited in the fourth quarter of Green Bay's win over the Rams.
- The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday they have waived quarterback Robert Griffin III, defensive back Davontae Harris, wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas (who was a COVID-19 opt-out) and defensive back Tramon Williams. Along with the releases of the aforementioned players, the Ravens announced the signing off 11 players to reserve/future contracts, including quarterback Tyler Huntley, who played in relief of Lamar Jackson in Saturday's Divisional Round loss to the Bills.
