Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht said this week that WR Chris Godwin is on track in his recovery from last October's dislocated ankle. Licht didn't give a precise timetable for Godwin's return to the field but expects him to be ready for the start of the season.

The Buccaneers have agreed to a three-year deal with WR Chris Godwin. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it'll pay the WR $22 million a year, with $44 million in total guarantees.

The Buccaneers are declining their 2025 option on S Jordan Whitehead, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. That will make Whitehead an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts in March ... unless Tampa Bay brings him back. Garafolo says GM Jason Licht is keeping that possibility open.

The Buccaneers promoted Josh Grizzard to OC, replacing Liam Coen. Grizzard was the team's passing game coordinator last year. He spent the previous seven seasons with the Dolphins, moving from offensive quality control to WRs coach. Grizzard has no play-calling experience at any level, but the Bucs are prioritizing continuity after the big 2024 season under Coen. "Josh is bright and innovative and was instrumental in our game planning and play design over the last year," HC Todd Bowles said. "After interviewing several outstanding candidates throughout this process, it ultimately became clear that our best option was here in our building." Grizzard will be Tampa Bay's fourth different OC in the last four years -- and QB Baker Mayfield's ninth different play caller as a pro.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is active for tonight's game vs. the Commanders. It'll be his first action since Week 15. Otton should step back in as Tampa Bay's primary pass-catching TE but isn't a very exciting fantasy play. He averaged just 4.3 targets, 2.5 catches, and 36 yards across his last four games with WR Mike Evans back. TE Devin Culp is a healthy scratch tonight.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's Wild Card game vs. the Commanders. He practiced all week, including full workouts on Thursday and Friday, so he's seemingly on track to play. Otton had a few big games in the middle of the season with WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, but he averaged just 4.3 targets, 2.5 catches, and 36 yards across his last four games with Evans back.

Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is active for today’s game vs. the Saints. He should slide back in as Tampa Bay’s primary slot receiver but is a low-end fantasy play.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Saints. TEs Payne Durham and Devin Culp split playing time last week, so neither is a reliable Week 18 fantasy start.

Buccaneers S Jordan Whitehead will miss "multiple weeks" with injuries suffered in a car accident early Saturday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The team is placing Whitehead on the non-football injury list, which will likely knock him out through the playoffs.

Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Saints. We’ll see if he can make it back for this one after missing Week 17, but Shepard would be a desperation fantasy play.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Saints. TEs Payne Durham and Devin Culp split playing time last week, so neither is a bankable Week 18 fantasy start.

Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. put in a limited practice Thursday, his first action since hurting a knee in Week 14. That gives Winfield a chance to play against the Saints in Week 18. We'll see what the team says after Friday's practice.

There's a 70% chance of rain throughout today's Panthers-Buccaneers game. Winds are only expected to come in around 10 mph, though, so weather shouldn't have a big impact on this one. We're not adjusting projections for Carolina or Tampa Bay players.

Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring, foot) is out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers. He's been the team's primary slot receiver since WR Chris Godwin went down, averaging 4.6 targets per game over his last eight. Shepard's absence leaves a few extra targets for WRs Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan and RBs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is out for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers. That should mean lead duties again for TE Payne Durham. He surprisingly ran a route on 88% of Bucs pass plays last week, catching five of seven targets for 29 yards. He'd be a desperation play in season-long lineups but is a viable salary-saver in DFS. Otton's absence could also push more targets to WRs Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan and RBs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice. He's looking unlikely to play vs. the Panthers this weekend. Payne Durham stepped in as Tampa Bay's lead TE with Otton out last week, catching five of seven targets on an 88% route rate. You should be able to do better in season-long lineups, but Durham will be in play as a cheap DFS option.

The Buccaneers have designated S Jordan Whitehead to return from IR. That opens a three-week window for deciding whether to return Whitehead to the active roster. We'll see whether he's ready to play Sunday against the Panthers.

Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving was explosive running the ball picking up 68 carries on 16 rushes, including one TD. He made the Cowboys defense miss numerous tackles throughout the game and was utilized in the passing game. He caught all three for his targets for 24 yards as well

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield needed a late comeback attempt to put up a solid fantasy day completing 31 of 43 for 304 yards and two TDs He also ran three times for 42 yards.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is inactive for tonight’s game vs. the Cowboys. TEs Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and Devin Culp are active, but none is a viable fantasy play. Otton’s absence should push more targets to Tampa Bay’s WRs and RBs.