Tampa Bay Buccaneers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham (quad) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news after Durham sat out to open the week due to a quad issue. Durham has seen a bigger role on offense lately with Cade Otton (knee) missing the last two games. Otton was able to get back on the practice field on Thursday as well. The return of Otton would basically end the streaming value that Durham has created for himself. Possibly, Durham has played well enough to remain involved, but he'll fall further on the pecking order if Otton returns for this weekend's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This marks two days in a row that Shepard has been limited after missing last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. There is a decent chance that Shepard returns this weekend, but his fantasy outlook is bleak. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan has taken a major step forward over the last few weeks. Both McMillan and Mike Evans figure to be the focal point in the receiving game going forward. The absence of Shepard could mean more snaps for Trey Palmer, but he hasn't done anything noteworthy lately.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving continues to be listed on the team's injury report with various ailments, but he should be able to suit up in a must-win game in Week 18 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. In his first 16 NFL games, Irving has really been impressive, especially when considering he's shared backfield touches with both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. The 22-year-old leads the team in carries (188), rushing yards (1,033) and touchdowns (seven) while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Irving has been the most productive Tampa RB in 2024 and will be a must-start RB1 for any fantasy managers still playing for a championship. Against the Saints on Oct. 13, Irving had 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.

According to the team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight ends Cade Otton (knee) and Payne Durham (quadriceps) upgraded to limited participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for Otton, as he sat out during Wednesday's practice and has not seen game action since Week 15. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Friday as he could carry an injury designation into the weekend. After seeing an impressive 9.8 targets per game during Weeks 7 through 10, Otton has taken a step back over his previous four contests, as he has seen an underwhelming 4.3 targets per game. If Otton can turn the corner in time for Sunday's tilt against the New Orleans Saints, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in PPR formats. If both Otton and Durham cannot play, rookie Devin Culp would see an elevated role.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie tight end Devin Culp (ribs) is on the team's Week 18 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Culp has only appeared in four games his rookie season, but his status is more important heading into the regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints with both Cade Otton (knee) and Payne Durham (quadriceps) missing practice. The Bucs must win on Sunday to secure a playoff berth and the NFC South championship, so they won't be resting any players this weekend. Culp is probably only worth fantasy consideration as a DFS sleeper if both Otton and Durham are ruled out. The 24-year-old contributed for the first time all year in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, catching three of his four targets for 52 yards.