Stocker (back) was limited in practice Thursday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stocker bounced back from a negligible showing in Wednesday's session, putting him on pace to play Sunday versus the Falcons. However, the Buccaneers find his blocking rather than receiving ability valuable, which has been reflected in mostly scant game logs this season (three catches for 22 yards on seven targets in nine games).

Stocker (back) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Stocker and Cameron Brate were in the starting lineup Sunday against the Colts, but Stocker was targeted only once among his 36 offensive snaps, while Brate (41 snaps) gathered in his second touchdown in as many games en route to five receptions for 53 yards. For fantasy purposes, Brate is the tight end to own during Austin Seferian-Jenkins' (shoulder) continued absence. However, Stocker should remain a starter due to his blocking ability, as long as his health allows it.

Stocker will start at tight end Sunday against the Colts, as Austin Seferian-Jenkins has once again been ruled inactive.

EDGE Analysis

Stocker will get the starting nod, but look for the 6-foot-6 tight end to be used primarily as a blocker. The 27-year-old out of Tennessee has just two targets in the last four games, and six total on the season.

Stocker secured three-of-four targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Redskins.

EDGE Analysis

Stocker received the starting nod over Brandon Myers and tallied his first three catches of the season. Much better suited as a blocker throughout his career, Stocker nevertheless has served as an occasional safety valve option for quarterbacks. The fifth-year pro filled precisely that role Sunday, working close to the line of scrimmage on his three receptions. Stocker could yield his starting role as soon as Week 8 if Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder) is able to return to the field.

Stocker (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Redskins and will enter the starting lineup at tight end.

EDGE Analysis

It's not surprising that Stocker is available given that he practiced fully this week, but the fact that he's replacing Brandon Myers as the Bucs' starting tight end is a little bit more surprising. In any case, don't expect quarterback Jameis Winston to utilize Stocker much in the passing game Sunday, as he's never distinguished himself as much of a receiving threat during his time in the NFL. Additionally, Austin Seferian-Jenkins could be back at some point later this season, which would result in Stocker seeing a steep decrease in his snap count.

Stocker re-signed with the Buccaneers on Monday, buccaneers.com reports. Stocker agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2011. Stocker has recorded 35 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown in 45 career games with Tampa Bay. The 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end is most valuable to the Buccaneers as a lead blocker and provides little value as a receiver, evidenced by the fact he caught just seven passes for 41 yards last season. Entering his fifth season, Stocker provides the team with depth behind starter Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Stocker (concussion) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Lions. Stocker is one of the only healthy tight end options available with Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) and Brandon Myers (calf) ruled out, though he's never been a major fantasy producer over his career. He's only been targeted five times this season, and has just one career touchdown back in 2012. Look for quarterback Josh McCown to lean on his receiving core more heavily when he has to move the chains.

Stocker (concussion) is probable for Sunday's game against Detroit. Stocker will be available for Tampa Bay on Sunday, but at no point in his career has he produced, and he has just four catches for 29 yards in nine games this season.

Stocker (concussion) practiced in full Thursday, the Buccaneers' official site reports. After receiving clearance from the league's protocol for head injuries Wednesday, Stocker was promptly a limited participant in drills, which he's already pushed to an unhinged showing. Meanwhile, fellow tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) and Brandon Myers (calf) have been unable to practice this week, opening the door for Stocker to make his presence felt Sunday at Detroit.

Stocker received clearance from the league's concussion protocol to take part in practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Stocker seems poised to miss only one game as a result of a concussion, which could bolster his meager output on the season (four receptions for 29 yards) if Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) and Brandon Myers (calf) remain out of commission in Week 14.