Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 18 injury report feat. Jamel Dean, Mike Evans and more

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers go into Week 18 knowing their playoff destiny is in their hands. The equation is simple: Beat the New Orleans Saints and they'll secure the division and bag yet another postseason berth. It doesn't matter how the Atlanta Falcons perform in their matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Hence, before Tampa Bay's must-win game against the Saints, let's examine the injury update on various Tampa Bay Buccaneers starters.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 18 injury report

Jamel Dean's injury update

According to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' official website, Jamel Dean hasn't practiced all week. The cornerback has a knee injury that has hindered his participation in training sessions.

According to NBC Sports, Dean suffered the injury in his side's Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers. He'll now need to participate in full capacity on Friday if he's to feature in his side's last game of the regular season.

Mike Evans' injury update

According to the team's official website, superstar wide receiver Mike Evans had limited participation on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday. The team has given the future Hall of Famer consecutive rest days to stay fresh for his attempt at history against the New Orleans Saints.

Evans is a mere 85 yards away from recording 1,000-plus yards in his first 11 seasons in the league. Evans is averaging 70.4 yards per game this season and Baker Mayfield will look to earn his primary pass catcher a spot in the record books.

If he records 85 yards, Evans would tie Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice for most consecutive seasons with 1000 receiving yards in NFL history.

Antoine Winfield Jr.'s injury update

According to NBC Sports, Antoine Winfield Jr. was a limited participant in Thursday's training session. The star safety is dealing with a knee injury that has forced him to miss several games in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff race.

Winfield Jr. did not participate in Wednesday's training session but was upgraded to limited participation on Thursday. Hence, there's a decent chance of him taking to the Gridiron just in time to get important reps ahead of a deep postseason push.

Bucky Irving's injury update

According to The Fantasy Footballers, rookie running back Bucky Irving was a limited participant in Thursday's training session. The RB1 deals with shoulder and shin issues in the lead-up to his side's must-win game in Week 18.

Irving is a regular fixture on injury reports but has not missed a game in his rookie season. He's a major part of the Bucs' offense and is the only rookie running back to amass over 1,000 rushing yards this season. Hence, barring any unfortunate occurrences, he'll be on the Gridiron against the Saints as the Buccaneers aim to secure a playoff spot.