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The biggest news from Thursday's practice report was cornerback Jamel Dean returning to a full capacity in practice. Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles said Thursday that they're still uncertain of Dean's status for Sunday's game in Atlanta but Thursday's practice was a step in the right direction for the second-year corner who has missed the last two games.
Conversely, defensive lineman Steve McLendon was downgraded to a non-participant as he battles an elbow injury. McLendon was a late addition this year after the team lost Vita Vea for the season following Week Five in Chicago. McLendon has filled in well in a familiar system, knowing Bowles from their days in New York together. McLendon has been in the rotation along with Rakeem Nuñez-Roches next to defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh to make up for Vea's absence, leading a unit that still ranks first against the run. Should he not be able to play on Sunday, that would severely impact Tampa Bay's depth and rotation up front.