Nicks reached a $3 million injury settlement with the Buccaneers, ESPN reports. Nicks was recently released by Tampa Bay after both parties mutually agreed to part ways in light of Nicks' frustrating complications lingering from the MRSA infection that struck him in 2013. The former All-Pro guard is now expected to take time off from football in hopes of resuming his playing career down the road.

Buccaneers released OG Carl Nicks. Per FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the sides reached an "amicable settlement," which probably best translates as an injury settlement. Nicks is dealing with a career-threatening toe injury. Still only 29 years old, his NFL future is in serious doubt, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday Nicks has decided to "step away from the game," though he has not yet formally retired. Nicks was owed a $7 million base salary. The Bucs now have the weakest depth chart at offensive guard in football, with Oniel Cousins, Patrick Omameh, Jamon Meredith, and rookie Kadeem Edwards competing for two starting spots. It's a major concern for the efficiency of their run game.

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) has been cleared to play. It appears Nicks will be ready for the start of training camp this week and will avoid the active/PUP list. While Nicks' toe is far from a guarantee to hold up, his return is a big boost for Doug Martin and Tampa Bay's entire offense. His last healthy season (2011), Nicks was PFF's No. 2 overall guard, excelling in both the run and pass games for the Saints. The Bucs are holding an open competition at right guard between Patrick Omameh, Jamon Meredith, and Oniel Cousins.

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) has been cleared to play. It appears Nicks will be ready for the start of training camp this week and will avoid the active/PUP list. While Nicks' toe is far from a guarantee to hold up, his return is a big boost for Doug Martin and Tampa Bay's entire offense. His last healthy season (2011), Nicks was PFF's No. 2 overall guard, excelling in both the run and pass games for the Saints. The Bucs are holding an open competition at right guard between Patrick Omameh and Oniel Cousins.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) is a candidate for the active/PUP list. Nicks couldn't run or cut during OTAs, and remains questionable to be cleared when the Bucs report to training camp next week. Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds "wouldn't be surprised" if Nicks opens 2014 on the reserve/PUP list, costing him at least the first six games. Nicks has been dealing with toe issues the last two seasons and is far from a guarantee to be ready for Week 1.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) still could not run or cut as of June minicamp. Both Nicks and coach Lovie Smith have promised Nicks will be ready for training camp, but beat writers covering the team are more skeptical. "It all sounds shaky," writes ESPN Bucs reporter Pat Yasinskas, "and you have to wonder if Nicks really can make it back and if he'll be the same player." If Nicks isn't ready, the Bucs will hold two open competitions at each of their guard spots.

Bucs coach Lovie Smith expects LG Carl Nicks (toe) to be ready for training camp. Nicks has been sitting out OTAs, but has apparently passed his physical. Now 29, Nicks has been dealing with toe issues for the better part of two seasons. Although he'll be ready for camp, there's no guarantee he'll end up the Bucs' Week 1 left guard.

Bucs G Carl Nicks (toe) is not participating at this week's minicamp. Nicks is in attendance but still can't get on the field. His status for the start of training camp and even the season is in serious doubt. The Bucs will continue to trot out Oniel Cousins and Jamon Meredith at guard for the time being.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) is not participating in OTAs. Nicks wasn't even present at Tuesday's opening session. He's trying to return from a toe issue that he'll have to deal with for the remainder of his career. Nicks won't take part in OTAs or minicamp but is expected back for training camp. In his absence, Patrick Omameh took the first-team reps at left guard while veteran Oniel Cousins worked at right guard. Jamon Meredith is also in the mix.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks has been told he'll have pain in his toe for the rest of his life. Nicks has nerve damage in the toe, affecting the strength and feeling in his foot. At this point, anything the Bucs get from him should be considered a bonus. The two-time Pro Bowler has played in just nine games since signing a five-year, $47.5 million contract with Tampa in March 2012.