Conte played through a torn PCL during Monday's game against the Steelers and will be sidelined for six weeks as a result, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Conte reportedly shouldn't have played in the contest, but he "gutted it out" for the team and paid the price in the form of a massive stiff arm from Steelers tight end Vance McDonald. The timetable puts him on track to return Nov. 4 against the Panthers, though that should clear up when the date draws closer.

The Buccaneers placed Conte (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The roster move comes one day after Conte exited the first half of Monday's 30-27 loss to the Steelers with the knee injury. Adding insult to the injury, Conte was on the receiving end of a devastating stiff arm from Pittsburgh tight end Vance McDonald, who sent the safety tumbling to the ground during his 75-yard catch-and-run for the game's first score. The loss of Conte, who had started the Buccaneers' first three games and accrued 14 tackles, leaves the team with only two healthy safeties in Justin Evans and Jordan Whitehead, who should both be slated for heavy snaps in Week 4 against the Bears. Conte, meanwhile, will miss the next two months after landing on IR, though head coach Dirk Koetter said the 29-year-old could be one of the two players the Buccaneers activate in the second half of the season, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Conte has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's game against the Steelers after sustaining a knee injury.

EDGE Analysis

The severity of Conte's knee injury remains to be seen. With the options behind Conte somewhat restrained, the Bucs may be inclined to go with Jordan Whitehead at free safety for the time being. If Conte is to be sidelined for an extended period of time, there's a chance the team will look to bring in an additional safety.

Conte (knee) is active for Monday night's game against the Steelers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Conte was listed as questionable heading into Week 3's matchup with Pittsburgh, but after successfully completing a full practice on Saturday, he'll be out there as the team's starting free safety. The 29-year-old has 14 tackles on the season.

Conte (knee) was a full participant in practice Saturday but is questionable for Monday's game against the Steelers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Conte suffered a knee injury in Week 2's win over the Eagles and was limited in practice early this week as a result. Although he is still questionable, his full participation in practice Saturday is a reassuring sign. Look for a final decision to be made just before kickoff on Monday night. If he is ruled out, Justin Evans will likely see an increased defensive role.

Conte is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Eagles due to a knee injury, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

As long as Conte remains sidelined, the Buccaneers' will remain without their starting free safety. Second-year player Justin Evans stands to receive an increased defensive role if Conte is unable to return. The severity of the veteran's injury remains undisclosed, so expect an update on Conte's status after the conclusion of Sunday's game.

Conte tallied seven tackles (five solo) in the Buccaneers' 48-40 win over the Saints in Week 1.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran safety drew even with Vernon Hargreaves (shoulder) for second on the team in tackles behind the prolific linebacker duo of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander. Conte is expected to once again play a key coverage role this season while also providing valuable support against the run from the secondary. The 29-year-old particularly did a good job in the latter function last season, compiling 77 stops and forcing three fumbles over 16 games.

Conte intercepted a pass intended for DeSean Jackson in Thursday's "mock game" and recorded a pick during Wednesday's practice as well, Carmen Vitali of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran safety saw his team option exercised after the 2017 season, despite the secondary's overall struggles. He's opened camp in good form, and he still slots in as the starting strong safety as preseason approaches. Justin Evans (ankle), a 2017 second-round pick who posted 66 tackles, six passes defensed and three interceptions in his rookie year, figures to push Conte throughout the remainder of the summer, however.

The Buccaneers elected to exercise the one-year option on Conte's contract Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Conte started 14 of 16 games during the 2017 season but was also one of the main culprits in Tampa Bay having allowed the fourth-most yards per pass attempt. With 2017 second-rounder Justin Evans on the rise coupled with the non-zero chance Tampa Bay adds more talent to its stable of safeties this offseason, Conte could be in store for a decreased role in 2018.

Conte totaled 77 tackles (62 solo), three forced fumbles, one interception and eight passes defensed over 16 games in the 2017 season.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran safety's tackle total was the third-highest of his career, while the trio of forced fumbles was a personal best. Conte extended a career-long streak of notching at least one interception a season to seven campaigns as well, but he was also a pivotal part of a Buccaneers' secondary that surrendered the most total passing yards (4,169) and yards per game (261) in 2017. On the books for a reasonable $2.25 million in 2018, Conte is a likely candidate to return, although the emergence of 2017 second-round pick Justin Evans and the likelihood that the team looks to upgrade the position overall in both free agency and the draft could certainly leave Conte with an uphill battle for playing time.