The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a significant question mark at the tight end position ahead of their Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
That's because tight end Cade Otton is listed as doubtful to play. Otton was absent from practice on Monday and Tuesday before closing out the week as a limited participant on Friday.
Here's what we know about Otton's chances of playing in the Week 15 game against the Falcons.
Is Cade Otton playing tonight?
UPDATE: As expected, Otton is officially inactive for Week 15.
Answer: Probably not
While we've seen players overcome the doubtful tag in years past, it is very rare, so that means Otton is highly unlikely to play.
The Bucs did not elevate a tight end from the practice squad for this game, so there is at least a tiny glimmer of hope for Otton.
Another positive is Otton at least turned in a limited practice on Wednesday, so he was trending up.
We'll get our exact answer an hour and a half before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, when the Buccaneers and Falcons both drop their lists of inactives.
If Otton can't play, the Buccaneers will deploy Payne Durham as their starter, with Devin Culp also lending a hand. Those will be the only two tight ends active if the veteran tight end is ultimately ruled out.
Cade Otton start or sit advice
Even if he does play, Otton is not a starting option in Week 15.
He ranks as TE23 overall this season and ranks as TE30 since Week 11.
Now, the Buccaneers are fully healthy at wide receiver, which only makes his chances of producing even slimmer.
Verdict: Sit
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