Stocker (undisclosed) is not participating in Wednesday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The six-year pro is watching practice off to the side Wednesday, with no immediate news as to the reason. The Bucs will release their first injury report of the week later in the day, so more details should become available at that point. Stocker is slated to fill an important blocking role on an offense that will open the season without a true fullback.

Stocker has been ruled out of Wednesday's preseason matchup with the Redskins, Greg Auman of the Tamba Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Buccaneers are resting a bunch of starters and veterans Wednesday, so there's nothing to worry about in regards to an injury for Stocker. He's expected to open up the season behind the likes of Cameron Brate and Austin Seferian-Jenkins at tight end, but could see time at full back after practicing there during OTA's earlier this offseason. Stocker isn't at risk of missing the team's season opener.

Stocker lined up as the starting fullback during seven-on-sevens in last Thursday's open OTA practice, Joe Kania of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

With last season's starting fullback Jorvorskie Lane departed, the Bucs have a job opening, and Stocker appears to be getting first crack at filling it. Verastile rookie Dan Vitale, who Tampa tabbed with the 197th pick in the 2016 draft after a successful career at Northwestern, would certainly appear to bring a much greater degree of offensive potential to the position, considering his 49 games as a "superback" for the Wildcats during his college career. However, Stocker's established track record as an above-average blocker-- a key to him retaining a roster spot over the first four years of his career-- appears to have afforded him the first opportunity at helping clear the way for tailbacks Doug Martin and Charles Sims. The 27-year-old brings some limited pass-catching ability as well, having secured 44 of 68 targets to date in his career.

Brate secured his sole target for three yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Although he secured at least one reception in each of the season's final three games, Stocker was once again an afterthought in the passing game. He totaled only nine receptions on the season, although he did manage his second career touchdown. The 27-year-old was primarly deployed as a blocker and pass protector, two tasks which he once again carried out well in 2015. Signed through the end of the 2017 campaign, Stocker figures to open 2016 offseason workouts behind the emerging Cameron Brate and starter Austin Seferian-Jenkins on the depth chart, but with a clearly defined role as the team's blocking tight end.

Stocker secured his sole target for seven yards in Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

After a failing to secure a catch in all five November games, Stocker now has at least one catch in three of his last four contests. The reserve tight end is mainly valued for his blocking ability however, and has only amassed eight catches in 2015.

Stocker secured all three of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 31-23 loss to the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

The Bucs' tight ends had a particularly prominent presence Thursday, with the Rams sporting an aggresive pass rush and top-tier secondary. Stocker's three receptions equaled his season high, and the touchdown was notably his first since Week 3 of the 2012 season against the Cowboys and only the second of his career. The early-fourth-quarter end zone visit was well deserved, as it came a play after Stocker bailed out teammate Donteea Dye by recovering the rookie's fumble inside the Rams' five-yard line. Despite the modestly productive effort, Stocker is typically third on the tight end totem pole behind Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Cameron Brate in terms of looks from Jameis Winston

Stocker participated on 42 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa's blocking tight end participated in a healthy amount of plays, and even logged a catch for the first time in three weeks. Stocker's playing time may remain largely unaffected despite Austin Seferian-Jenkins' return, since his main value comes from helping open up holes for the running game.

Stocker secured his lone target for four yards in Sunday's 23-19 victory over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year veteran made his first appearance on the stat sheet since Week 7, and ironically, it occurred in the game that marked starter Austin-Seferian-Jenkins' return from a shoulder injury. Due to his blocking acumen, Stocker was notably active over veteran Brandon Myers, a development that could well be the case for the remaining four games of the regular season.

Stocker (back) is active Sunday against the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Stocker missed the first day of practice this week, but returned on a limited basis Thursday before suiting up in full Friday. Although active, Stocker may still serve as a complementary option to Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who will be suiting up for the first time since Week 2. Cameron Brate may also be in the mix for tight end snaps, while Brandon Myers is inactive for the contest.

Stocker (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons

EDGE Analysis

Stocker hasn't made an impact in the passing game, and with Austin Seferian-Jenkins nearing a return, the snaps will likely dry up soon. Even if he plays, Stocker will only have a bit role for the Bucs on Sunday.