Mike Williams not practicing, Davin Joseph returns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reacts to a play against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 2 WR Mike Williams was able to make his return to the practice field yesterday from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams has been struggling with the injury for the better part of the season, but his ability to return to practice yesterday at least on a limited basis made it seem like he would be likely to play this week. Things are cloudier now, though, as Buccaneers beat writer Tom Krasniqi reports that Mike Williams was unable to attend today’s practice.

Hopefully the Bucs are just giving Williams a day of rest in the middle of the practice week, but this is the kind of situation that developed last week. Williams was able to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he was downgraded and did not practice on Friday before being ruled inactive. The worst case scenario here is that Williams has suffered a setback, and tomorrow’s practice will most likely make or break Williams’s playing status.

On the bright side for the Buccaneers, starting guard Davin Joseph returned to practice from a knee injury. This week’s game is a division rivalry contest against the Atlanta Falcons, and it’s a very winnable game for a Buccaneers team in sore needed of some Ws. Mike Williams is in line for a huge day against the Falcons secondary if he is able to play.

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