The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have sorely missed their two key weapons in Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving, but both are nearing a long-awaited return.
While we aren't sure if it will be this week against the Los Angeles Rams or not, the pair are now in their second week of practice as the coaching staff slowly puts more on their plate.
Having been out for over a month, naturally, when the pair returns to the field for Josh Grizzard, we aren't sure if they will get a full slate. Instead, it might be a ramp-up period of a snap count in the first couple of games.
And that is exactly what Grizzard is thinking, too.
"I think that whether it's Buck or whether it's Chris, it's kind of the same thing where these guys haven't played in so long to be able to think that they're going to go out there and play 50 snaps or 55 snaps would be unfair to those guys," Grizzard said.
"So, seeing how much they can handle, getting them in there on the plays where we know it's really critical to that play. Let them build their play strength to get their confidence back up to get back to their top shape."
More: Will Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving play in Week 12? Bucs give interesting update
Buccaneers facing must-win Week 12 clash?
That might be a little heavy-handed, but after losing three of their last four games and only having a one-game lead in the NFC South, the Buccaneers need to steady the ship.
Granted, it would have been better not to play the best team in football right now, but that's who Tampa Bay has to deal with.
With the Buccaneers still to play the Carolina Panthers twice, the division isn't as smooth a ride as some thought a few weeks ago, and if Tampa Bay loses in L.A., and the Panthers somehow beat the San Francisco 49ers, then we will have a serious battle on our hands for the division.
So, while it isn't a "must-win" for the Buccaneers, it feels pretty close to it.
More Buccaneers news:
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- Bucky Irving injury update from Bucs legend is bad news for RB's Week 12 availability
- Buccaneers' Todd Bowles gives brutal defensive scouting report after Bills loss
- Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield gave the funniest thoughts on the upcoming birth of his 1st son