Chiefs vs Buccaneers Injury Report/Updates – Statuses on Brown, Bell, Watkins and More

• Antonio Brown makes a full return to Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice, while Cameron Brate battles a back injury
• Kansas City Chiefs enjoy good health but will be without T Eric Fisher and LB Willie Gay
• We’ve got you covered with the updated injury news, and its impact on the odds as the countdown continues to Super Bowl 55

Injuries are not expected to be a major factor when the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers clash in Super Bowl 55 on Sunday. The two-week break since Conference Championship Weekend has provided players nursing injuries with extra time to heal. However, the status of key players on both teams remains in question as the countdown to kickoff continues.

Here’s a look at the key injuries for both these teams, and how they might impact the action in Sunday evening’s matchup at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report

Kansas City Chiefs Injury Report

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report

AB on the Mend

The Buccaneers received plenty of good news on the injury front on Thursday. Receiver Antonio Brown was a full participant after being limited on Wednesday by a lingering knee injury that kept him on the shelf for the team’s 31-26 upset victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC title game.

It’s an encouraging step that Bucs receiver Antonio Brown was upgraded to being a full participant today as he works to return from a knee injury.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 4, 2021

Brown is currently listed as questionable on the injury report after being a full participant at practice on Friday. The 32-year-old proved to be a non-factor in his only previous Super Bowl appearance with the Pittsburgh Steelers a decade ago and will be aiming to build on his recent steady performances that have produced 325 receiving yards and five total TDs over his past five game appearances.

Pierre-Paul Expected to Play

Jason Pierre-Paul returned to practice in a limited capacity after not participating on Wednesday. The Bucs linebacker played a huge role in the team’s victory at Lambeau Field two weeks ago, recording five tackles and two sacks. Pierre-Paul has been plagued by a knee injury for most of the season and has been limited at midweek practice with regularity. However, barring a setback, he is expected to be available for Sunday’s contest.

Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) only DNP on Wednesday's practice report, should be OK for Super Bowl LVhttps://t.co/onGeoDDHQ0 pic.twitter.com/ztwmeaEX83

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 3, 2021

The news is also good for safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead, and LB Lavonte David. Hobbled by an array of injuries, the trio received praise from head coach Bruce Arians for their performance at Thursday practice.

Bad Break for Brate

Things are not looking as bright for tight end Cameron Brate. The 29-year-old has stepped up during the postseason, averaging almost 50 receiving yards per game, and made the game-winning TD catch two weeks ago in Green Bay. But Brate’s status is now in doubt after being limited on Thursday due to a back injury.

On Cameron Brate: This was described as back discomfort and he was pulled out of an abundance of caution, source said. As of now, he plans to play. https://t.co/GgcDiWGBj8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2021

While the loss of Brate would be a blow, it is unlikely to have an impact on the spread in Sunday’s contest. In addition to Brown, both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been full participants at practice despite nursing knee and elbow injuries, respectively.

Kansas City Chiefs Injury Report

Bell, Watkins Turning the Corner on Their Injuries?

The Chiefs look to their second straight trip to the Super Bowl largely in good health. RB Le’Veon Bell was sidelined for the team’s 38-24 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game, WR Sammy Watkins has been on the shelf since Week 16.

Chiefs RB Le'Veon Bell (knee), WR Sammy Watkins (calf) limited in practicehttps://t.co/onGeoDDHQ0 pic.twitter.com/3F2V1QrUDS

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 3, 2021

However, the duo both joined practice in a limited capacity this week, raising confidence that they will be available on Sunday. Rookie rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire and QB Patrick Mahomes have shown no ill effects of their recent injuries, and have been full participants at practice.

Fisher, Gay on the Shelf

Conversely, both tackle Eric Fisher and LB Willie Gay have remained inactive. Fisher tore his Achilles in the team’s recent victory over the Bills, while Gay is dealing with a torn meniscus that he suffered in practice. Neither player will be available to the Chiefs when they hit the gridiron on Sunday, but since that comes as no surprise, their status is not expected to impact the game line odds.

Same injury update for the Chiefs as yesterday. No Willie Gay and Eric Fisher

— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) February 4, 2021

Overall, there should be very little line movement resulting from the final injury reports from these two teams. Fisher’s and Gay’s absence has been expected. And while Brate’s injury status remains a concern, the Buccaneers’ impressive depth downfield should enable them to fill that void.