Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. cleared to play after four-game absence

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th January, 15:21 2025

NFL: Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Two starters in the secondary received the green light to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is set to return to the lineup for the first time after sitting out four consecutive games recovering from a knee injury and cornerback Jamel Dean plans to play after missing Week 18 with a knee injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles on Friday.

Winfield practiced without limitation all week. He had 60 tackles, two sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown in the nine games he played this season.

The Bucs aren't as confident tight end Cade Otton, who missed the past three games, will be active but Bowles didn't close the door on Otton's return on Friday.

"Antoine and Jamel are fine. Cade is trending in the right way, we'll see how he recovers," Bowles said.

Otton caught 59 passes for 600 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.

Dean, who missed five regular-season games with injuries, allowed only one touchdown as the primary defender in pass coverage this season.

--Field Level Media

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