Sterling Shepard Missing Another Practice
Sterling Shepard (foot) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Shepard's availability for the Week 15 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday is now firmly up in the air. Top wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) has also yet to practice this week, so Tampa's receiving group could be noticeably thin this weekend against a strong Chargers defense. Evans missed two practices last week before ultimately playing, though, so we're a bit less concerned about his availability. The 31-year-old Shepard will need to practice on Friday to have a shot at suiting up on Sunday. Although he hasn't been on the field all that much in recent weeks, Shepard has remain involved, catching 13 passes for 121 yards. If he is unable to get the green light to play, rookie Jalen McMillan, who scored twice last week, would be an enticing flex option for fantasy managers.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Sterling Shepard Cleared To Play, Will Be Low-Upside Fantasy Flex
Sterling Shepard (foot) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for wild-card weekend. Shepard was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but will be active on Sunday evening to face the visiting Washington Commanders. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher will be looking for a better performance after catching one of his two targets for 11 yards in the Week 18 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Although the Bucs had one of the best passing offenses in the league in 2024, Shepard has struggled to maintain any kind of fantasy value with limited targets on a weekly basis. He'll continue to serve as the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him minimal upside as a flex play in postseason leagues. Shepard's only touchdown of the year came back on Oct. 3.
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Sterling Shepard Limited On Wednesday
Sterling Shepard (foot/knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Shepard was listed on the practice report for a hamstring injury last week so his presence with a new injury this week is slightly worrisome for Bucs fans. Shepard has had a nice season for the Bucs. He has operated primarily as the No. 3 wide receiver due to injuries to both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (finger) for much of the season. McMillan and Mike Evans (rest) are currently the top two options in this passing offense. However, Shepard plays an important role as a chain mover when called upon. He recorded 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He has been solid all around for a Buccaneers team with a legitimate shot at making a playoff run this season. His status will need to be monitored heading into the weekend. The Bucs will need all the help they can get against a young and hungry Washington Commanders team on Sunday night.
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sterling Shepard Active Against Saints
Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran receiver has been productive through 13 games in a depth role this season, catching 31 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown. He has served as a reliable target for Baker Mayfield, especially after Chris Godwin (ankle) suffered a season-ending injury. With that said, Shepard is off the fantasy radar as long as he remains behind Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart.
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sterling Shepard Considered Questionable For Week 18
Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in a must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Shepard was inactive for the team's Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but is hoping to return to help the Bucs secure a playoff berth and the NFC South title. If he does return, he'll return to his role as the WR3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him little fantasy upside. Despite another phenomenal season from quarterback Baker Mayfield and the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin (ankle), Shepard has failed to produce consistently for fantasy managers, catching a total of 31 passes on 49 targets for 323 yards and only one score. If he's active, consider him a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR4/5 against the Saints.
Source: Buccaneers.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Source: Buccaneers.com
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