November 1 Updates
Rookie safety Tykee Smith still needs to pass the final test in the NFL's concussion protocol before he can return to game action, but he is making significant progress in that process this week.
On Friday, Smith was a full participant in the Buccaneers' two-hour practice after being limited in the first field session of the week. In addition, Smith was no longer wearing the black "no-contact" jersey that he wore in Thursday's practice.
Smith sat out Sunday's game against Atlanta after not practicing all in the week leading up to that Week Eight contest. He had suffered a concussion the previous Monday night against Baltimore. His return to the practice field this week could lead to him clearing concussion protocol in time to play on Monday night in Kansas City.
"It means he's getting better," said Head Coach Todd Bowles on Thursday. "He's got to pass the tests – that'll be the promising sign."
A third-round draft pick out of Georgia, Smith won a training camp battle for the slot corner job and manned that position through the first seven weeks before getting hurt. He has contributed 32 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one interception, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
CLICK HERE for a look at the Bucs' full injury report on Friday.
