Nelson (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained knee suffered in Tampa Bay's Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The 28-year-old is an important part of the Buccaneers' linebacker corps, recording 38 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles over 15 appearances this season. While he's sidelined during Saturday's must-win matchup, expect Chris Braswell to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

Nelson (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson suffered a sprained knee during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The injury prevented him from playing against the Dolphins in Week 17, and the 2019 fourth-rounder has been held out of each of the first two practices of Week 18 prep. He would need to practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday to have a realistic chance of playing in Saturday's regular-season finale against the Panthers.

Nelson (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old sustained a knee sprain in the Week 16 loss to the Panthers and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. While Nelson is sidelined in Week 17, expect Chris Braswell to operate as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

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.