Gaines (toe) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defensive tackle upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to a full session Friday, suggesting he's moved past his toe injury in time to suit up Sunday. Gaines has appeared in all seven of Tampa Bay's games this season, recording five total tackles, including 1.0 sacks. He's expected to serve as one of the team's top reserve defensive linemen in the Week 8 divisional matchup.

Gaines (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

A toe injury prevented Gaines from participating in Wednesday's walkthrough. He was back at practice Thursday in a limited capacity, and Friday's injury report will indicate his chances of playing Sunday against the Saints. Gaines' availability could be even more crucial, given that Vita Vea popped up on Thursday's injury report due to a foot injury.

Gaines (toe) did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines likely picked up the injury during Monday's loss against the Lions, when he logged one tackle while playing 19 snaps on defense. The severity of his injury isn't clear given Wednesday's practice was a walkthrough, so the next two practice reports will shed light on his chances of playing against the Saints on Sunday.

Gaines (pectoral) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines was considered a non-participant at the team's walkthrough Wednesday, but he now appears to be on track to play in Week 5. The 29-year-old will likely operate in a reserve role behind Logan Hall and Elijah Roberts on the defensive line Sunday in Seattle.

Gaines is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Eagles due to a pectoral injury.

EDGE Analysis

With Gaines unlikely to return and C.J. Brewer (coach's decision) inactive, Elijah Simmons is set to see more rotational snaps on the defensive line alongside Elijah Roberts, Vita Vea and Logan Hall for the rest of Sunday's game.

Tampa Bay will sign Gaines to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines was about as productive on a per-snap basis in 2024 as he was in his first season with the Bucs in 2023, and his role didn't truly shrink, but his numbers were slightly deflated because he missed two games in the middle of the season with a calf injury. He figures to play a moderate, nonstarting role on the interior of Tampa Bay's defensive line again in 2025.

Gaines provided 17 tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks, across 15 regular-season games in 2024.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran played his fewest snaps (374) since the 2020 season, with that total also representing an 81-play downturn from his 2023 Buccaneers debut campaign. Gaines primarily served in a rotational role on the defensive front, and he went into the offseason on the heels of his most productive game of 2024 by recording six tackles over 26 snaps in the wild-card loss to the Commanders. Given Gaines' minor role and the fact he'll be 29 by the time next season begins, it's likely Tampa Bay lets him explore his options when he hits the open market at the start of the new league year.

Gaines (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines has missed the Bucs' last two games due to a calf injury, but he will return for Sunday's contest and serve as the backup nose tackle behind Vita Vea. Gaines has logged six tackles (two solo) through seven regular-season games.

Gaines (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Chiefs, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines suffered a calf injury in the leadup to Week 8 against the Falcons. He was unable to practice Thursday and Friday, and the injury is severe enough that the 2019 fourth-round pick will be sidelined for a second straight game. Gaines' next chance at suiting up will be Week 10 against the 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 10. C.J. Brewer stepped into the backup role at nose tackle behind Vita Vea against the Falcons in Week 8, and the former finished with three solo tackles, including 2.0 sacks.

Gaines (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against Atlanta, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaines popped up on the Bucs' injury report Thursday with a calf injury, which forced him to sit out of Friday's practice. The injury is severe enough for the 2019 fourth-round pick to be ruled out for Sunday's contest, and he'll work on making himself available for Tampa Bay's Week 9 contest against Kansas City on Monday, Nov. 4. Gaines has served as Vita Vea's primary backup at nose tackle this season, but C.J. Brewer will step up into that role with Gaines sidelined.