Howard did not record a target during his nine snaps from scrimmage in Sunday's 38-31 win over the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year tight end logged 13 fewer snaps than Cameron Brate and 46 less than Rob Gronkowski, leaving no doubt as to his spot in the positional pecking order. Howard now has all of one target over the last three contests, and Sunday's snap count was his lowest since Week 1, when he began to be worked back into action from his October 2020 Achilles tear.

Howard secured his only target for a 10-yard gain in the Buccaneers' 30-10 win over the Giants on Monday night.

EDGE Analysis

Howard was third among the Buccaneers' tight ends in snap share (26%) and targets, fitting given his apparent slotting in the positional pecking order. With Rob Gronkowski back in action Monday night and seemingly back to health, Howard is likely to continue operating in a minimal role during a Week 12 matchup against the Colts.

Howard did not see a target over his 28 snaps from scrimmage during Sunday's 29-19 loss to Washington, but his lack of looks were unrelated to the fact he committed a false start penalty on the first play of the game, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year tight end's total lack of opportunity was especially disappointing when considering Rob Gronkowski (back) remained out of action. Howard had at least shown signs of an offensive pulse over the last month-plus with multiple receptions in three of the past four games, but if Gronkowski can make it back for Monday night's game against the Giants, the Alabama product could be a non-factor for a second straight contest.

Howard secured two of three targets for 16 yards in the Buccaneers' 36-27 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year tight end logged 28 snaps on offense (46 percent), with the fact Rob Gronkowski exited after just six snaps due to back spasms helping Howard's cause. The Alabama product has now produced multiple catches in three of the past four games, and if Gronkowski's back issues don't clear up over the Buccaneers' Week 9 bye, Howard could remain on the fantasy radar in Week 10 against Washington.

Howard (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The Buccaneers are readying for the return of top TE Rob Gronkowski for the first time since Week 3 due to cracked and fractured ribs and a punctured lung. After getting back on the practice field Wednesday as a limited participant -- just like Howard -- Gronkowski jumped all the way to full Thursday. Howard thus appears to be the least healthy of the team's tight ends behind Gronkowski and Cameron Brate, but ultimately Friday's injury report may clear up all of their statuses for Sunday's game in New Orleans.

Howard (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard followed a DNP/LP/FP practice regimen last week before being listed as questionable for this past Sunday's game against the Bears. He was active and logged 51 percent of the offensive snaps, but he gathered in just one of three targets for nine yards in the blowout victory. With Rob Gronkowski (ribs) back on the practice field Wednesday, the breakdown of TE snaps between him, Howard and Cameron Brate is poised to change in the near future. Whether that happens this Sunday in New Orleans is contingent upon how Gronkowski fares in his first on-field work since getting injured Week 3.

Howard (ankle) brought in one of three targets for nine yards in the Buccaneers' 38-3 win over the Bears on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran tight end was coming off a season-best 6-49-1 line against the Eagles in Week 6, but he was right back to a minimal role Sunday despite the absences of both Antonio Brown (ankle) and Rob Gronkowski (ribs). Howard did log a solid 37 snaps, but with Gronkowski potentially back for a Week 8 matchup against the Saints, his opportunities could dry up further as early as Sunday.

Howard (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year tight end was able to work back to full practice participation Friday, so the questionable tag he carried into the weekend always had at least a bit of skepticism attached. Howard is now officially available to help Cameron Brate shoulder the workload at tight end against the Bears in what will be Rob Gronkowski's third straight absence. The 26-year-old is coming off a season-best 6-49-1 against the Eagles in Week 6.

Howard (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, despite being a full practice participant Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The tight end took a step forward each day, going from no participation Wednesday to limited work Thursday before logging a full practice Friday. Howard should be active for Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, but if not, Cameron Brate will get more playing time and targets. Meanwhile, top tight end Rob Gronkowski (ribs) still hasn't returned to practice and will miss a fourth straight game this weekend.

Howard (ankle) was limited at Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

While Greg Auman of The Athletic noted Howard was holding a helmet and didn't seem to be inhibited in the portion of the session open to the media, the Buccaneers officially put him down as a limited participant. That may just mean Howard didn't take part in any or all team drills, but in any case he's trending in the right direction in advance of Sunday's game versus the Bears. With Rob Gronkowski (ribs) still unable to practice, Howard and Cameron Brate are slated to handle tight end for a fourth consecutive contest this weekend, assuming Howard is available.