Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie left last week's game after just five touches and did not practice until Friday, but is apparently well enough to give it a shot against the Chargers. Prior to the injury, Irving had three straight top-10 finishes among running backs, but the difficult matchup against L.A. and the injury should have managers mostly evaluating Irving as a flex option in Week 15.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is officially questionable to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The veteran had missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been a steady offensive contributor in his age-31 season, catching 29 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown over 11 games. He has been particularly productive lately with at least four catches in each of his last three contests. Although he's a veteran pass-catcher in a productive offense, Shepard will be tough to trust in fantasy football if he plays this week. Not only does he rank 83rd among wide receivers in total fantasy points this year, but he's going up against a strong Chargers defense that has allowed fifth-fewest receptions to the position.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin hasn't been much of a fantasy option lately outside of his four field goal effort in Week 13. Last week, McLaughlin knocked down all four of his extra point attempts in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. McLaughlin didn't attempt a field goal as the Bucs continued to cash-in on their red zone trips. That could be a different story this weekend against a stingy Los Angeles Chargers secondary. McLaughlin could be called upon more often this weekend with the Bucs not having easy access to touchdowns. Fantasy managers who are on the fence about McLaughlin might want to give him one more chance.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Evans missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning for a limited session on Friday. It appears that was enough for the team to clear Evans for this weekend. The veteran wideout has racked up three straight games of 68 receiving yards or more since returning from injury. He does have a tougher challenge this week against a solid Chargers secondary. Despite that, Evans should be able to produce low-end WR1 value for this Week 15 matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has seen his fantasy value take a dip over the last few weeks. However, Otton was able to have some success during last week's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Otton hauled in three of his four targets for 70 yards in the win. This marked the first time that Otton has hit the 70-yard mark since Week 9. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Otton to produce his TE1 numbers anymore with wide receiver Mike Evans healthy now. Otton has been held to five receptions or less in each of the last four games. He should be considered a TE2 for the Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.