Ayers announced Tuesday via his personal twitter page that he's retiring from football.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers wasn't on an NFL roster during the 2018 season, and is closing in on his 34th birthday next month. The Tennessee product still had a stellar career, however, racking up 246 tackles (178 solo) and 35 sacks in 105 games over eight seasons.

The Lions released Ayers on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers signed with Detroit just Monday, so his time with the team was short. The veteran defensive end will now be free to sign with another club.

Ayers signed with Tampa Bay on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers started 10 games for the Buccaneers in 2017, making 31 tackles and two sacks. He was cut in March after the team signed Vinny Curry and later traded for Jason Pierre-Paul. The Bucs will use Ayers as a reserve defensive end behind the aforementioned players.

Ayers (shoulder) was released by the Buccaneers on Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers started 10 games for Tampa Bay last season and registered 31 combined tackles to go along with two sacks. At 32 years old, Ayers still has some juice left in the tank so it's expected that he'll garner some suitors for his service. Just how much juice is left in the tank remains to be seen, however.

Ayers (shoulder) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers has accrued 31 tackles (20 solo) and just two sacks this season. The veteran defensive lineman will miss his fourth game of the season, and Ryan Russell will fill in for the time being.

Ayers (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers was a limited participant in practice this week, but it appears the team is exercising some caution with their starting defensive end. Patrick O'Connor and Will Clarke should both see increased workloads Sunday with Ayers unlikely to suit up.

Ayers (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defensive end missed the entirety of Week 16 prep with the stinger he'd suffered against the Falcons in the prior contest, so his return Wednesday, even in a limited capacity was a good sign. Further insight into Ayers' chances of suiting up for the regular-season finale will be gleaned from the final two injury reports of the week.

Ayers (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers was unable to practice throughout the entire week and is now slated to miss his fourth game of the season. During his upcoming absence, Patrick O'Connor could draw the start at defensive end with Will Clarke also providing additional depth.

Ayers (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayers was one of multiple Buccaneers defensive players to exit Monday night's 24-21 loss to the Falcons due to injury. The play that Ayers suffered his injury on also resulted in linebacker Adarius Glanton suffering a lower leg fracture, so the former escaped the incident comparably unscathed. However, the aftereffects were still enough to keep Ayers out of practice for the initial session of Week 16 prep, with another update on his condition slated to come with Thursday's injury report.

Ayers failed to return to Monday's 24-21 loss to the Falcons after suffering a stinger in his neck/left shoulder, FloridaFootballInsiders.com reports. He finished the contest with one tackle and a forced fumble.

EDGE Analysis

The defensive end suffered the injury when he collided with teammate Adarius Glanton while both were attempting to take down Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Both Ayers and Glanton exited the contest as a result, though Glanton absorbed the brunt of the hit and suffered a lower left leg fracture that will end his season. The Buccaneers will see how Ayers progresses over the next few days before determining his status for the Week 16 matchup with the Panthers.