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

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old corner didn't practice all week and is now in line to miss his third game of the season Saturday. Dean is a crucial part of the Buccaneers' secondary, recording 46 total tackles, nine passes defensed, including three interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 14 appearances this season. Expect Benjamin Morrison, Josh Hayes and Kindle Vildor to operate as Tampa Bay's top boundary cornerbacks while Dean is sidelined in Week 18, a matchup the Buccaneers must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Dean (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Dean sustained a shoulder injury during the Buccaneers' Week 17 loss to the Dolphins. He did not work in Tuesday's walkthrough nor in Wednesday's practice, so his participation in Thursday's session will shed clarity on his chances of playing against the Panthers on Saturday. Kindle Vildor could draw the start at outside corner if Dean is unable to play.

Dean (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dean was evaluated by medical staff in the blue medical tent for a shoulder injury. Kindle Vildor will likely see more snaps on defense for as long as Dean is out of the game.

Dean (hip) is active for Sunday's game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Dean missed the Buccaneers' last two games due to a hip injury. He has been cleared to return Sunday after ending the week with back-to-back full practices, which means Kindle Vildor will likely revert to a rotational role at corner in Week 13. Dean has posted 28 tackles (24 solo), six pass defenses (two interceptions and a pick-six) and two forced fumbles through nine regular-season games.

Dean (hip) is questionable for Tampa Bay's matchup versus the Cardinals on Sunday, Jenna Laine of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dean was a full participant in Thursday's practice but will still carry an injury designation into Sunday's matchup. The 29-year-old sat out the team's Week 12 loss to the Rams but has a chance to make his return against Arizona.

Dean (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Dean missed the Buccaneers' last two games due to a hip injury, but his ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he is on track to return Sunday against the Cardinals. With Dean back in the mix, less defensive snaps will be available in the Bucs' secondary for Kindle Vildor and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring).

Dean (hip) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Dean was unable to play in Week 12 against the Rams due to a hip injury, so his ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday is a good sign. The cornerback will have two more chances to log a full practice before Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.

Dean (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Auburn product is now in line to miss his second game of the season after sustaining a hip injury in the Week 11 loss to the Bills. Dean is an integral part of Tampa Bay's secondary, recording 28 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and six passes defensed, with three interceptions, over just nine appearances this season. While he's out in Week 12, expect rookie Benjamin Morrison to operate as one of the Bucs' top boundary corners.

Dean (hip) missed practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough as well.

EDGE Analysis

The cornerback suffered the injury in Week 11 against the Bills and looks likely to miss Week 12 versus the Rams. Dean will probably need to participate in some form Friday to have a chance to play Sunday night in Los Angeles.

Dean (hip) did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough.

EDGE Analysis

Dean suffered a hip injury in Tampa Bay's Week 11 loss to the Bills and has since been termed day-to-day. He'll need to upgrade his participation in the next two days to have a chance to suit up in Week 12 against the Rams.