M.J. Stewart Returns to Practice while DeSean Jackson and Jason Pierre-Paul Sit Out

The Buccaneers and Saints released their first injury reports of Week 14 and several Buccaneers were taken off entirely from last week, which is good news. Tampa Bay also saw the return of rookie cornerback M.J. Stewart who has been batting a foot injury the past few weeks. He was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. Among those that didn’t participate for the Bucs were safety Justin Evans, cornerback Carlton Davis, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Evans exited last Sunday’s game early because of the toe injury that’s plagued him the past couple weeks. Jackson missed last game due to his thumb injury, with the likes of Chris Godwin and Adam Humphries stepping up in his place. It meant over 100 yards for Godwin alone. Pierre-Paul has been banged up as of late, but hasn’t missed a game all season.

One very notable name shows up on the Saints injury report and that’s wide receiver Michael Thomas who sat out Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. The last time the two teams played, though the Bucs emerged victorious, Thomas went off for 180 yards and a touchdown on 16 catches of 17 targets. He’s part of the arsenal quarterback Drew Brees has at his disposal in New Orleans and will be a challenge to contain should he play on Sunday.

See below for the full injury report.

Buccaneers

CB Carlton Davis (knee) – Did Not Participate

T Demar Dotson (knee/shoulder) – Limited Participation

S Justin Evans (toe) – Did Not Participate

CB Brent Grimes (knee) – Full Participation

WR DeSean Jackson (thumb) – Did Not Participate

S Isaiah Johnson (concussion) – Did Not Participate

DT Gerald McCoy (ankle/shoulder) – Limited Participation

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) – Did Not Participate   

CB M.J. Stewart (foot) – Full Participation

Saints

WR Michael Thomas (ankle) – Did Not Participate

T Ryan Ramczyk (shoulder) – Limited Participation

T Terron Armstead (pectoral) – Limited Participation

DT David Onyemata (hip) – Limited Participation

FB Zach Line (concussion) – Full Participation