TAMPA, Fla. -- A decision on the status of injured Tampa Bay receiver Vincent Jackson might not come until Sunday.
Jackson has been bothered by a hamstring injury, and took part in Friday’s practice on a limited basis. Coach Greg Schiano said he is cautiously optimistic Jackson will be able to play against the Buffalo Bills.
"It’ll be up to him," Schiano said. "He knows his body. He knows if he can do it or not. He desperately wants to help us win, but he and I have talked and he’ll let me know."
Schiano said missing practice time isn’t a big issue for a veteran like Jackson.
"A guy like Vincent can (play without much practice) because he has so many cumulative reps and he works so hard when he’s out there," Schiano said.
Schiano said even when Jackson is healthy, the Bucs try to limit him in practice.
"Our biggest job with Vincent is pulling him back during the week," Schiano said. "We have to limit his reps, because he just goes all out in practice every time he runs a route. And then he finishes the route for about 30 yards and then he runs all the way back. (Receivers coach) John Garrett has done a good job of limiting his reps, because we know he’s going to go that way, which we love, but limiting his reps so he’s ready to go on Sunday. So a week where he doesn’t do a lot is actually not a bad thing for Vince as long as the game plan hasn’t totally changed where he doesn’t know what we’re doing, but we don’t do that."
In other injury news, defensive tackle Gary Gibson (calf) was limited in Friday’s practice.
