Nelson (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson was diagnosed with a knee sprain Monday after playing just three defensive snaps in last Sunday's loss to the Panthers before departing with injury. The linebacker was unable to practice Wednesday and will likely not be able to for the remainder of the week, leaving Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul to fill the hole at outside linebacker.

Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Nelson suffered a sprained knee in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson played just three defensive snaps against Carolina before departing with the injury. On the season, the veteran edge rusher has recorded 38 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and a pair of pass breakups, including one interception. Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul will be candidates for increased playing time if Nelson needs to miss any further game action.

Nelson (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson injured his knee in the first quarter and after he was evaluated by medical staff, his injury has been determined severe enough for him to be sidelined for the rest of Sunday's game. Chris Braswell, Markees Watts and Jason Pierre-Paul are slated for more rotational snaps at the edge rusher position due to Nelson's injury.

Nelson is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 16 game against Carolina due to a knee injury.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson was hurt during the first quarter of the big NFC South matchup. The veteran linebacker typically logs a defensive snap share north of 50 percent while also contributing on special teams, so his exit is impactful. While Nelson is out, Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul could see more reps on defense.

Nelson (ribs) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson ended Week 13 prep with a full practice Friday, and he has done enough over the weekend and in pregame warmups to be given the green light to play Sunday. He saw his snap count on defense increase over the Bucs' last four games, but his playing time will likely take a hit due to the return of Haason Reddick (ankle/knee).

Nelson (ribs) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing practice Wednesday with the rib injury, Nelson managed a limited practice Thursday and upgraded to full participation Friday. He's trending in the right direction, but if there's a setback before Sunday's game, 2024 second-rounder Chris Braswell might benefit in terms of playing time on the edge in Week 13.

Nelson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson has been working through a rib injury during Week 13 prep, but his ability to return to practice Thursday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a sign that the 2019 fourth-rounder is trending in the right direction. Nelson's practice participation Friday will provide more clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Nelson (ribs) was a non-participant at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson recorded three total tackles (two solo) in Sunday night's 34-7 loss to the Rams, and he may have picked up a ribs injury in the process. The linebacker will have two more opportunities to practice prior to the team's matchup with the Cardinals on Sunday.

Nelson posted two tackles (one solo) during the Buccaneers' 44-32 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson was able to shake off an illness to suit up Sunday and played 60 total snaps (49 on defense, 11 on special teams), though his tackle count was his lowest since Week 5 against the Seahawks (one). The 2019 fourth-rounder has started in each of the Buccaneers' last three games, which has coincided with the absence of Haason Reddick (ankle). Nelson is up to 29 tackles (16 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick-six through 10 regular-season games.

Nelson (illness) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson popped up on the Buccaneers' injury report Thursday with an illness, but it doesn't seem like it was anything serious, and he's on track to suit up in Week 11. With two-time Pro-Bowler Haason Reddick (ankle) out, Nelson projects to start on the edge opposite 2023 third-rounder Yaya Diaby on Sunday.