The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could get much-needed help in their secondary ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers, as safety Antoine Winfield Jr. took an encouraging step toward returning to the field Wednesday.
Winfield returned to practice after missing the previous two games with a rib injury suffered against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. According to the Buccaneers' October 21 team update, the veteran safety participated in practice wearing a non-contact jersey, indicating he's made progress but isn't ready for full contact.
"He's recovering," head coach Todd Bowles said. "He's going to have to practice first for him to come back and not have a non-contact jersey on. So I think he's getting there. I don't know if he's there yet. We'll see what tomorrow and Friday bring."
Winfield was officially listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report, giving Tampa Bay reason to be optimistic heading into its first NFC South matchup of the season. However, his ability to practice without the non-contact designation will be key to whether he can return Sunday.
The Buccaneers could certainly use his presence after Sunday's 26-19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa Bay carried a 16-3 lead into the fourth quarter before Pittsburgh rallied and eventually won in overtime. The defense struggled to get off the field late, making the potential return of an experienced player like Winfield particularly important.
Winfield's versatility allows Tampa Bay to use him in coverage, against the run, and closer to the line of scrimmage. That could be valuable against a Carolina offense led by quarterback Bryce Young and running back Chuba Hubbard, especially as the Buccaneers look to avoid another late-game collapse.
The Buccaneers enter Week 7 at 1-5, making Sunday's divisional matchup a key opportunity to get their season back on track. Winfield's return would boost a defense that has struggled to finish games, but Wednesday's practice was only the first step.
For now, Tampa Bay will keep evaluating his recovery, with Thursday and Friday's practices expected to clarify whether he can play against Carolina.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Antoine Winfield Jr.'s Week 7 status remains uncertain