RB Warrick Dunn originally injured his left ankle in Seattle
Since turning his left ankle near the end of the Buccaneers' game in Seattle on November 28, third-year RB Warrick Dunn has struggled with a sprain that kept him out of last Monday night's contest. Now that ankle may have taken a turn for the better, the Buccaneers hope.
As Buccaneers.com reported from the team's training room on Wednesday afternoon, Dunn completed most of Wednesday's practice but was experiencing renewed pain in his injured ankle. He remained problem on the injury report, pending a decision on whether he would practice on Thursday.
Buccaneers.com has learned that Dunn will indeed practice after seeing significant improvement in his ankle overnight. The Tampa Bay training staff is taking an aggressive approach to Dunn's treatment in hopes of improving his chances of returning. That treatment centers around a variety of anti-inflammatory treatment, including a device called a Phoresor, which uses electrodes to electronically deliver anti-inflammatories to the affected area.
Addendum after Thursday's practice: Dunn participated in the entire workout without difficulty. Head Coach Tony Dungy indicated afterward that Dunn is likely to play on Sunday, though it may be in a reduced role.
With Dunn remaining probable, the only change to the Buccaneers' injury report on Thursday was the addition of S John Lynch. Lynch is also listed as probable with a knee injury, just as he was for most of last week. Lynch aggravated the injury during practice yesterday and is not likely to participate in today's workout. However, he does expect to play.
"It's not great, but I'm just trying to get to Sunday," said Lynch. "This time of year, a lot of guys are injured, bumps and bruises. You've just got to play through it."
