TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were without starting right tackle Demar Dotson and backup Gosder Cherilus during Thursday's practice -- not a good sign with one practice remaining before the team heads to New Orleans to take on the Saints.
Saturday's game is must-win if the Bucs want to keep their playoff hopes alive, and though Dotson, who is now in his third week in the NFL concussion protocol, did practice Tuesday and Wednesday this week on a limited basis, his absence Thursday suggests he still might not be available.