TAMPA — The good news from Friday's Bucs practice? Lavonte David, who was held out a day before with an ankle injury, was back and said he is fine to play weakside linebacker in Sunday's home game against the Saints.
The bad news? DT Gerald McCoy remains a major question mark, practicing with limited participation (and what looked like a cast on his injured left hand) and still waiting for doctors' clearance to play after missing last week's game.
Coach Lovie Smith ruled out DE Jacquies Smith (hamstring) and said DE George Johnson (calf) is doubtful, leaving hope that McCoy could play and return to the defensive line against QB Drew Brees.