Provides reason for optimism in '18

Howard (ankle) finished the 2018 season with 34 receptions (48 targets) for 565 yards and five touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve prior to Week 12.

Analysis: The second-year tight end was in the midst of one of his best performances of the season in Week 11 against the Giants (five receptions, 78 yards) before sustaining an ankle injury that ultimately landed him on injured reserve. Prior to the 2018 season, the Bucs had made a commitment to utilize Howard more as the downfield threat he'd proven to be in college, following a rookie 2017 campaign in which he was relied on heavily as an in-line blocker. Former coach Dirk Koetter and offensive…read more

Expecting quick recovery

Howard (ankle) is still wearing a hard cast but expects to recover from his injury within 4-to-6 weeks, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While his own estimate needs to be taken with a grain of salt, Howard might have avoided injured reserve if the Buccaneers had still been in the playoff hunt. As is, he'll set his sights toward a full recovery before the start of the team's offseason program in April, hoping to build on a breakout 2018 campaign in which he produced 56.5 yards per game while averaging 16.6 per catch and 11.8 per target. The Bucs would be wise to give him more than 4.8 targets per game next season, but it may…read more

Not expected to require surgery

Howard (ankle) will not require surgery for his ankle and foot injuries that will force him to injured reserve, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Howard's 2018 season is over regardless of whether Howard needs surgery, but this at least bodes well in terms of the extent of rehab required to return to form. The second-year tight end had come into his own this season prior to the injury, racking up 34 catches for 565 yards and five touchdowns over 10 games. Without him available moving forward, Cameron Brate figures to slot in as the team's primary tight end.

Bound for IR

The Buccaneers will place Howard on injured reserve Tuesday with ankle and foot injuries, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Howard sustained the two injuries on the same play during Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Giants. The 24-year-old will finish the campaign on IR for the second time in as many years, providing a disappointing conclusion to what was shaping up to be a breakout season. The Buccaneers will look to Cameron Brate to serve as the primary replacement at tight end for Howard, who had recorded 34 receptions for 565 yards and five scores in 10 games.

Seeking second opinion on ankle

Howard (ankle) received good news Monday and is now getting a second opinion, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The decision to get another medical opinion usually hints at a significant injury, but Howard may just be exercising caution to confirm the initial optimistic diagnosis. He was removed in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Giants, finishing with five catches for 78 yards on six targets. An absence for Week 12 against the 49ers would leave Cameron Brate with a prominent role catching passes from reappointed starter Jameis Winston.

Set for evaluation

Howard (ankle) will be evaluated Monday after exiting Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Giants in the fourth quarter, Eduardo Encina of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Howard was deemed doubtful to return and never reentered the game, finishing with five catches for 78 yards on six targets. He suffered an MCL sprain back in Week 4 against the Bears, but a conveniently timed bye in Week 5 allowed him to avoid any absences from games. Howard won't have the extra rest this time around, as the Buccaneers host the 49ers on Sunday in Week 12. Cameron Brate could be looking at a three-down role if Howard doesn't play.

Hurts right ankle

Howard is doubtful to return to Sunday's road game against the Giants due to an ankle injury, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Howard was forced from the contest when he was tackled from behind on a fourth-quarter reception. Afterward, the Bucs' training staff tended to his lower right leg, which eventually was determined to be an ankle issue. Because he's unlikely to retake the field, Howard will end Week 11 with five catches (on six targets) for 78 yards.

Held to one catch in Week 10 loss

Howard brought in one of two targets for 15 yards in the Buccaneers' 16-3 loss to the Redskins on Sunday.

Analysis: Howard had rightfully gained plenty of buzz in fantasy circles over the last four games, a stretch during which he'd logged 17 receptions (on 23 targets) for 250 yards and four touchdowns. However, he came back down to earth Sunday, seeing his lowest target share since Week 1. The Week 10 clunker aside, Howard continues to offer plenty of week-to-week upside due to his impressive size-speed combination and ability to attack down the seam. He'll look to get his numbers back to their usual levels…read more

Emergence continues in Week 9 loss

Howard brought in four of six targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 42-28 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Howard continues to flash impressive efficiency on a per-touch basis, as he's now scored on five occasions over a modest 28 receptions. Four of those touchdowns have come in the last four games, a span in which Howard has no fewer than four receptions on Sunday's 53 yards in any game, as well as a catch of at least 20 yards. Blessed with some of the best downfield upside at the tight end position in the NFL at the moment, Howard remains a highly appealing play in a Week 10 matchup against the…read more

Scores clutch touchdown in Week 8 loss

Howard brought in all four of his targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 37-34 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end came through in the clutch with a fourth-down 18-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, bringing the Bucs to within 34-32 with 1:10 remaining. Although Tampa Bay would go on to lose the contest, Howard's play was yet again a bright spot, as he eclipsed the 60-yard mark for the third straight game and fifth time in the last six contests overall. Howard also has a double-digit YPC in each game, making him one of the biggest downfield threats at the tight end…read more

Another solid effort in OT victory

Howard brought in five of nine targets for 67 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-23 overtime win over the Browns on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end was second on the team to Mike Evans in receptions, receiving yardage and targets, as he continues playing an important, steady role in the passing game on most weeks. Howard has shown encouraging chemistry with Jameis Winston thus far in the latter's two starts, hauling in nine of 13 targets for 129 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old has been making his catches downfield on average as well, as he's posted a double-digit YPC figure in each of the five games where…read more

Scores in loss

Howard caught all four of his targets for 62 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-29 loss to Atlanta.

Analysis: Howard cut into the Falcons' lead just before halftime, catching a Jameis Winston loft in traffic for a 10-yard touchdown. It was a rebound performance for Howard, who was held catchless in Week 4 and has been hobbled with a knee injury. The talented tight end shone in Winston's first start of the season and figures to serve as a security blanket next Sunday against a Cleveland defense that is adept at pressuring the passer.

Officially active Week 6

Howard (knee-MCL) is active for Sunday's Week 6 divisional showdown against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Jameis Winston will thus have a full complement of pass catchers to lean on in what is expected to be a high-scoring shootout against the suspect Falcons pass defense. Howard is slated to slide right back into the top tight end job, relegating Cameron Brate to more of the secondary role he's filled so far this season.

Expected to play Sunday

Howard (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons, is expected to play in the contest, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Howard was believed to be trending in this direction after he was a full participant at practice Friday following limited showings Wednesday and Thursday. Assuming he checks out fine during pregame warmups, Howard should draw the start at tight end, though his snap count could be more limited than normal while he returns from an MCL sprain. Howard's likely availability will put a damper on Cameron Brate's fantasy outlook.

Listed as questionable after full practice

Howard (knee) was a full practice participant Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Atlanta, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Howard followed a pair of limited practices with a full session, hinting that he's on the right track to suit up for Sunday's potential shootout. However, he was still wearing a bulky brace over his knee for the final practice of the week, and he'll be just two weeks removed from suffering an MCL sprain come Sunday. The Bucs may scale Howard's role back if he does indeed end up active ahead of Sunday's 1:00 PM ET kickoff. Cameron Brate would stand to benefit if Howard is limited or unavailable.

Limited again Thursday

Howard (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Howard has made appearances in both post-bye practices, thrusting him into the will-he-or-won't-he play Sunday in Atlanta. Handed a timetable of 2-to-4 weeks to recover from an MCL sprain on Oct. 1, he's given himself a chance to do so, but ultimately the decision will be made by the Buccaneers' medical staff, per Greg Auman of The Athletic. If Howard isn't ruled out on Friday's injury report, he almost certainly will be a game-time call for Sunday's 1:00 PM ET kickoff.

Limited in practice Wednesday

Howard (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: During the Week 4 loss to the Bears, Howard sustained an MCL sprain that was projected to keep him out for 2-to-4 weeks. With an ensuing bye week, the Buccaneers' schedule appears as if it will benefit the tight end. Even if he doesn't progress beyond a limited practice session Thursday or Friday, Howard has put himself on track for a potential appearance Sunday in Atlanta.

Returns to practice

Howard (knee) is participating in practice Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Although he still has a brace on his knee and likely will be listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report, Howard's ability to practice in any capacity suggests he has a chance to play Sunday at Atlanta. He suffered an MCL sprain prior to Tampa Bay's Week 5 bye, with the convenient timing giving him some shot to avoid missing actual game action. The situation will still require close monitoring over the next few days, considering most players need 2-to-4 weeks to recover from a…read more

Not practicing Monday

Howard (knee) is wearing a heavy brace and won't take part in Monday's practice, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Howard suffered his MCL sprain ahead of a bye, but the estimated recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks suggests he's still likely to miss at least one game. His expected absence for Week 6 in Atlanta will leave Cameron Brate as the top tight end for Jameis Winston's first start of the season.

Out 2-to-4 weeks with MCL sprain

Howard (knee) is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks after being diagnosed with an MCL sprain, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Howard was removed from Sunday's loss to Chicago late in the first half, thus falling shy of 50 yards for the first time in four games this year. His absence freed up more snaps for Cameron Brate, who responded with three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown on four targets. The timing of the injury is at least convenient for Tampa Bay as the team prepares for a Week 5 bye. Brate figures to take on a heavy snap workload when the Bucs return to action for a Week 6 game in Atlanta.

Injury believed to be minor

Howard (knee) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, but the Buccaneers do not believe the tight end sustained a serious injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Howard exited Sunday's game against the Bears late in the first half with an apparent knee injury. It won't be known if he needs to miss time until Howard undergoes further testing Monday, but the team's optimism is at least a good sign that the tight end avoided anything that might require a long-term absence. The Buccaneers conveniently are on bye Week 5, providing Howard with roughly two weeks to be ready for the team's next game Week 6 against the Falcons.

Won't return Sunday

Howard (knee) won't reenter Sunday's game in Chicago, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Howard was removed late in the first half with what was deemed a knee injury, which is severe enough for the Buccaneers to rule out the tight end for the rest of the contest. An upcoming evaluation should hone in on its nature and subsequently yield a diagnosis. While Howard is sidelined, the Bucs will turn to TE Cameron Brate for first-team reps.

Injures knee Sunday

Howard is questionable to return to Sunday's game at Chicago due to a knee injury.

Analysis: Howard has been far more reliable in his second pro season, reeling in 11 of 14 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown through the first three games. On Sunday, though, the Bucs were down 35-3 when Howard departed in the second quarter with no catches (on three targets) to his name. Cameron Brate will be the primary tight end as long as Howard is absent.

Ties career high in catches

Howard caught six of eight targets for 72 yards in Monday night's 30-27 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Howard's reception total tied his career high from last season, continuing an impressive start to his second campaign. Like his explosive first couple weeks, Howard managed another catch of 20-plus yards, and also helped Tampa Bay move the sticks on intermediate gains. Now, fellow tight end Cameron Brate did score a four-yard touchdown Monday, but Howard's 222 yards so far evidence him fulfilling his superior, first-round talent, making him an intriguing option regardless of whether Ryan…read more

Explodes for 75-yard touchdown in win

Howard brought in three of four targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 27-21 win over the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: Howard broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown down the left sideline in the latter stages of the second quarter, snapping a 7-7 deadlock in the process. The second-year tight end continues to be the featured player at his position in the early going, as Cameron Brate has yet to catch a pass through two games. The 23-year-old has brought in five of six targets for 150 yards through his first pair of games, with a catch of over 30 yards in each contest. He'll look to continue his stellar start…read more

Tallies 54 receiving yards in win

Howard brought in both of his targets for 54 yards in the Buccaneers' 48-40 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end and position mate Cameron Brate both saw just two targets apiece, but Howard came up with both of his while Brate was held without a catch. Both players were significantly outpaced by the starting receiver duo of Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson, who received 12 looks between them and parlayed them into a combined 293 yards. The natural week-to-week fluctuation of the game plan and matchups will dictate that the tight end position serves as more of a focal point of the…read more

First two preseason catches in win

Howard brought in two of four targets for 31 yards in a 30-14 preseason win over the Titans on Saturday.

Analysis: After failing to see a target in last week's preseason opener versus the Dolphins, Howard received looks from both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston, although both of his catches came from the arm of the latter. The second-year tight end outsnapped position mate Cameron Brate by a 31-13 margin on offense, but the two are expected to have a fairly even playing time split in 2018, especially with the Bucs' high usage of two-TE sets. Howard should be in for another heavy workload against the…read more

No stats over 13 snaps in opener

Howard played 13 snaps in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason win over the Dolphins on Thursday but was not targeted.

Analysis: Despite the empty stat line, big things are expected from Howard in Year 2, with the coaching staff emphasizing that they want to use his considerable pass-catching talents with greater frequency than they did during his rookie campaign. Howard and position mate Cameron Brate are projected to often share the field and see a fairly even workload split overall in 2018. While that was essentially the case Thursday -- Brate played only four more snaps overall -- the latter was targeted on five…read more

Stands out in Wednesday's practice

Howard made several impressive plays during Wednesday's practice, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: The second-year player was lauded by head coach Dirk Koetter after practice, with Howard's long touchdown reception from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick representing the tight end's top highlight of the day. In addition to Howard's pass-catching contributions, Vitali notes that the 23-year-old has looked improved as a blocker. The 2017 first-round pick is slated to once again share time with Cameron Brate at tight end this season, although the Bucs are expected to get Howard more involved as a…read more

Howard is slated to catch passes from backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for the first three games of the 2018 regular season in the wake of Jameis Winston's expected suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The development may not be as gloomy for Howard's fantasy prospects as might appear at first blush. After all, the second-year tight end brought in six of eight targets for 104 yards and a touchdown with Fitzpatrick at the helm in Weeks 11 and 12 last season, with the veteran quarterback favoring him over position mate Cameron Brate in those contests. Moreover, Howard's considerable physical talent -- as well as a greater knowledge of both head coach Dirk Koetter's offense and opposing defenses…read more

Howard (ankle) said Thursday that he is a full-go moving forward, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Howard ended his rookie season on injured reserve after suffering a right ankle injury in a Week 15 loss to the Falcons. However, after four months of rehab, the former Alabama standout should be a full participant in the rest of the Buccaneers' offseason activities. He finished his rookie year with 26 catches for 432 yards and six touchdowns, and after starter Cameron Brate re-signed with the team this offseason, Howard will likely continue to split reps at tight end this season.

Howard (ankle) should continue to grow in a role that's different from that of teammate Cameron Brate, who recently signed a six-year, $41 million contract that includes $18 million guaranteed, ESPN.com's Jenna Laine reports.

Analysis: When Tampa Bay drafted Howard 19th overall last year, it was easy to envision a scenario in which he'd slowly be worked into the offense before eventually supplanting Brate atop the depth chart. The team instead has carved out separate roles for the two players, with Howard mostly serving as a traditional in-line tight end while Brate operates as an H-back and oversized slot receiver. The Bucs will find ways to keep both on the field at the same time, but it could be a bit of a challenge in an…read more

Lands on injured reserve

The Buccaneers placed Howard (ankle) on injured reserve Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After an abbreviated outing Monday against the Falcons, Howard required a walking boot to keep his right ankle stable. Neither the team nor player has commented on the extent of the injury, but it's clearly severe enough to force a multi-game absence. Howard concludes his rookie campaign with 26 receptions (on 39 targets) for 432 yards and six touchdowns, the latter of which matches the Giants' Evan Engram for the league lead among rookies for receiving touchdowns through Week 15. In his stead,…read more

Howard (ankle) is expected to be placed on injured reserve this week, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Howard was unable to return to Monday's 24-21 loss to the Falcons after sustaining a right ankle injury that confined him to a walking boot. The Buccaneers will likely have Howard undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury, but it sounds like he could be dealing with a serious enough of a sprain to sideline him for the final two games. Cameron Brate, who suffered a knee injury of his own Monday, would see an uptick in snaps at tight end if Howard is shut down for the season.

Howard (ankle) was wearing a walking boot on his right foot after Monday's loss to the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Howard raced along the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown in the first half, but sustained the injury as a Falcons' defender attempted to force him out-of-bounds. It was the rookie first-round pick's only catch of the game as he was ruled out shortly thereafter. More specifics should become available on the injury as Howard is evaluated throughout the week.

Howard (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's game against the Falcons.

Analysis: There's no word on the exact nature of Howard's injury. With Cameron Brate (knee) also on the shelf, the Buccaneers will proceed forward with Antony Auclair and Alan Cross at tight end.

Howard injured his ankle and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, Jenna Laine reports.

Analysis: The Buccanneers are already without Cameron Brate, who departed with a knee injury earlier in the first half. If Howard isn't able to return, Tampa Bay will need to make due with Antony Auclair and Alan Cross at tight end.

Howard brought in four of six targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Lions. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: The rookie tight end turned in his third outing with more than 50 yards in the last four games and also hit paydirt for the second time over that span. However, Howard also lost the ball in the first quarter on a play that was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but that was correctly determined to be a catch and fumble upon replay review. The miscue aside, Howard has seemingly begun to develop some consistency, as he's posted 14 receptions for 158 yards and a pair of scores in three of his…read more

Howard brought in one of two targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Packers.

Analysis: Howard appeared to be finding a measure of consistency in the prior pair of contests with a combined six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. However, Howard saw position mate Cameron Brate regain a measure of his prior success by catching a pair of touchdowns on six targets Sunday, while seeing his own involvement take a dip in the process. The Alabama product has shown some flashes on offense over his first 12 career games, but his role remains far too inconsistent to afford him any…read more

Howard brought in three of four targets for 52 yards in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: If Howard's final line looks familiar, it's because it mirrors the one he generated in Week 11 against the Dolphins, absent a receiving touchdown. While certainly far from eye-popping numbers, his combined six catches for 104 yards in those contests represent the most encouraging pair of consecutive outings of his rookie campaign. Howard notably logged a catch of over 20 yards for the second straight week as well, the first time he's accomplished the feat in back-to-back games. He'll look to…read more

Howard brought in three of four targets for 52 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: The rookie celebrated his birthday with his best effort since Week 7 against the Bills. Howard had posted just three receptions on four targets for 22 yards in his previous three contests, so his performance Sunday was relatively unexpected. Howard's six-yard score in the second quarter was his fourth touchdown of the campaign, a total he's impressively managed on just 17 catches. He'll look to put together consecutive productive outings for the first time in his career when he faces the…read more