The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to have its starting safety Jordan Whitehead back on the field for Super Bowl LV.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Whitehead has not been ruled out for the Feb. 7 Super Bowl and is going to try to play, per a source informed of the situation.
Whitehead is dealing with a labrum and additional shoulder issue stemming from Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers. The third-year pro made some massive plays before getting injured, including two forced fumbles, one of which the Bucs recovered.
Bucs rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. missed the NFC Championship Game also due to injury and receiver Antonio Brown also sat out the game.
Coach Bruce Arians said Winfield and Brown are likely to wait until next week to practice.
"I think it's too early," Arians said about whether Brown and Winfield would be ready for Super Bowl LV. "Neither one of those guys will probably practice this week and we'll see how it rolls out next Tuesday for both of them."
Brown (knee), Winfield (ankle), Whitehead (shoulder/knee) were joined by linebackers Lavonte David (hamstring) and Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) as Bucs who were DNPs in the team's practice report estimation as they had an extra day off. Receiver Mike Evans (knee) and defensive tackle Vita Vea (ankle) were listed as limited and wideout Chris Godwin (elbow) was a full participant.
The team also announced it had re-signed guard Earl Watford to the practice squad.
Here's other news Around The NFL is monitoring on Wednesday:
- Kansas City Chiefs running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) and Le'Veon Bell (knee) were limited in the team's practice on Wednesday, as were wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf), cornerback Rashad Fenton (foot), linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (ankle), defensive back L'Jarius Sneed (concussion) and offensive linemen Mike Remmers (groin) and Andrew Wylie (ankle). Offensive tackle Eric Fisher (Achilles) did not practice. Patrick Mahomes (toe) was a full participant.
- The Detroit Lions officially announced the hirings of John Dorsey as a senior personnel executive and Ray Agnew as assistant GM. It was reported Sunday that Dorsey and Agnew were expected to be hired. Detroit Later announced it had officially hired former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn as the team's offensive coordinator, which was initially reported Saturday.
- The Philadelphia Eagles are hiring University of Florida offensive coordinator Brian Johnson as their new QB coach, Rapoport reported, via an informed source. Johnson, who's been a college coach since 2010, served as Dak Prescott's QB coach during his junior and senior year at Mississippi State. Philly is also hiring Colts tight ends coach Jason Michael as their TE coach, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported
- Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett is expected to join the Chargers as assistant OL coach, Pelissero reported.
- The Green Bay Packers are parting ways with special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga, Pelissero reported per sources.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring veteran wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal, Pelissero reported.
