NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

With Super Bowl LV on the horizon in Tampa on February 7th, University of South Florida scientists are predicting more waves of COVID-19 as the event approaches. 

“I know everybody is fatigued,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said, via Pro Football Talk. “There’s a great deal of frustration. People are tired of being at home. We all want to get back to our normal day to day lives.”

• The Buccaneers have a slight chance to clinch a playoff berth in Week 15 if the following scenarios take place: Buccaneers win their next two games, Cardinals lose their next two games, Bears lose their next two games, Lions lose to the Packers, and the 49ers lose one of their next two games. (Greg Auman)
• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said WR Mike Evans‘ hamstring is not considered serious: “I think he had a scare. I think he scared me more than anybody. He’s fine. He practiced good.” (Jenna Laine)
• DOUBTFUL for Week 14: CB Jamel Dean (groin)

Falcons

• Falcons’ interim HC Raheem Morris said WR Julio Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out from Week 14. (Jason Butt)
• The Falcons announced that assistant OL coach Bob Kronenberg will not travel with the team to Los Angeles for Week 14. (Butt)
• OUT for Week 14: S Ricardo Allen (concussion), G James Carpenter (groin), WR Julio Jones (hamstring)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 14: T Kaleb McGary (not injury related)

Panthers

• Panthers HC Matt Rhule said he does not expect RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) to return for Week 14. (David Newton)
• Rhule elaborated that McCaffrey wants to play but does not want to risk aggravating his injury: “I know how much Christian wants to play. I know how much he wants to be out there. As I told him, and as I tell any player when they get hurt, these things happen for a reason. Just deal with it as it comes.’’ (Newton)
• Rhule said Panthers WR Curtis Samuel, LB Shaq Thompson, and DT Derrick Brown will play in Week 14 after being activated from the COVID-19 list on Friday. (Joe Person)
• OUT for Week 14: G Dennis Daley (concussion)
• DOUBTFUL for Week 14: RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder, thigh)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 14: S Tre Boston (hamstring), CB Rasul Douglas (illness), S Sam Franklin (ankle), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (not injury related), DE Marquis Haynes (illness), DE Efe Obada (knee), TE Ian Thomas (knee)