Multiple Buccaneers Pass Catchers Back at Practice

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has failed to build much momentum in what has been a disappointing season in part because of a lack of health and consistency in their receiving corps. They were close to full strength for the first time in weeks at Thursday's practice. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Julio Jones, Russell Gage, and Cameron Brate all practiced today.

#Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr., who is in concussion protocol, returned to practice. G Luke Goedeke was not at practice during the portion open to the media. WRs Mike Evans and Russell Gage were present but may be limited. WR Julio Jones looked good to go.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 3, 2022

Gage missed the team's Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a hamstring injury. Brate has missed the previous two weeks with a concussion suffered against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. Jones has played only 89 total snaps this season.

The Bucs rank 25th in points scored this year after finishing 3rd in 2020 and 2nd in 2021. Part of the blame falls on their league-worst run game, which ranks last in yards gained and yards per attempt, but a lack of continuity in the passing game has played its part. Quarterback Tom Brady ranks second in the league in passing yards and sports the best interception rate of any qualifying quarterback, but explosive plays and key conversions have been difficult to come by.

The Bucs can still turn around their season despite their 3-5 start. Thanks to the struggles of the NFC South, they still sit within a game of the division lead. If they can finally maintain good health and find some rhythm in the passing game, they could be a dangerous team in the second half of the season and even the playoffs.