Is Cade Otton playing tonight? Buccaneers TE's status explored for Week 17

Cade Otton is the TE1 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Otton has come into his own as the team's starting tight end this season in his third year in the league. He's now one of the better tight ends in the NFC and an important part of Todd Bowles' offensive game plan every week.

Let's examine Otton's availability before the Buccaneers Week 17 showdown against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Is Cade Otton playing tonight?

No, Cade Otton is not playing in tonight's game against the Carolina Panthers. According to Sports Illustrated, the veteran tight end will miss the matchup due to a knee injury.

Otton's absence doesn't come as a surprise due to being absent from every practice session this week. Thus, the Bucs will have to square off against the Panthers in a must-win game without one of their most important offensive and blocking weapons.

Otton isn't the only Bucs starter set to miss tonight's game. The team will be without Sterling Shepard (hamstring) and Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee). Furthermore, K.J. Britt, Kameron Johnson and Jordan Whitehead are questionable to feature.

How is Cade Otton performing this season?

Cade Otton is enjoying a career year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Washington product has upped his productivity in the absence of Chris Godwin and is the team's second-leading pass catcher after perennial Pro Bowler Mike Evans.

Otton has amassed a stat line of 59 receptions, 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He is the only tight end on the roster who has accumulated over 100 yards, and he's a safe pick to rack up at least three receptions on most nights. It'll be interesting to see how Todd Bowles replaces Otton's productivity against the Carolina Panthers.

The Buccaneers enter tonight's game knowing that a win is crucial for their playoff hopes. The Bucs are 8-7 and in a two-way race for first place in the NFC South. So, tonight's matchup and their last contest of the season versus the New Orleans Saints will be crucial in making yet another postseason trip.