On Wednesday, four days before they would meet in an important NFC South showdown at Raymond James Stadium, both the Buccaneers and the Falcons held four players out of their respective practices.
Tampa Bay’s secondary was particularly thinned as the practice week started, as starting right cornerback Eric Wright (Achilles) and reserve safeties Ahmad Black (illness) and Cody Grimm (hamstring) were all rested. Both Wright and Grimm, as well as wide receiver Arrelious Benn (shoulder) were dealing with injuries that had been bothering them before they played in last Sunday’s game against Carolina.
Three of the Falcons’ four sidelined players on Wednesday were also on defense: defensive tackle Peria Jerry (quadriceps), safety Charles Mitchell (calf) and cornerback Asante Samuel (shoulder). The fourth was starting wide receiver Julio Jones (ankle). Atlanta Head Coach Mike Smith said after practice on Wednesday that Jones will get practice time on Thursday.
LB Sean Weatherspoon returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the last three games due to an ankle injury. Weatherspoon was limited to start the week but Smith said that he would probably be a full participant on Thursday.
Here are the complete injury reports for both teams:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Player | Injury | Practice Status |
| WR Arrelious Benn | Shoulder | Did Not Participate |
| DE Michael Bennett | Shoulder | Limited Participation |
| S Ahmad Black | Illness | Did Not Participate |
| S Cody Grimm | Hamstring | Did Not Participate |
| DE Aaron Morgan | Shoulder | Full Participation |
| WR Tiquan Underwood | Head | Full Participation |
| CB Eric Wright | Achilles | Did Not Participate |
Atlanta Falcons
| Player | Injury | Practice Status |
| DE John Abraham | Back | Limited Participation |
| DT Jonathan Babineaux | Neck | Limited Participation |
| K Matt Bryant | Back | Limited Participation |
| WR Kevin Cone | Groin | Limited Participation |
| DT Peria Jerry | Quadriceps | Did Not Participate |
| WR Julio Jones | Ankle | Did Not Participate |
| S Charles Mitchell | Calf | Did Not Participate |
| CB Christopher Owens | Thigh | Limited Participation |
| QB Matt Ryan | Left Finger | Full Participation |
| CB Asante Samuel | Shoulder | Did Not Participate |
| RB Michael Turner | Groin | Limited Participation |
| DT Vance Walker | Ribs | Limited Participation |
| LB Sean Weatherspoon | Ankle | Limited Participation |