Anthony Nelson - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Practicing during OTAs Nelson (knee) is participating in OTAs.

Impact The linebacker missed the last two regular-season games of 2025 with a knee injury, but he appears to be ok. Nelson recorded 38 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two pass breakups, including an interception, and two forced fumbles last year.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Big Picture: Buccaneers Forced to Forge New Identity Without Mike Evans, Lavonte David

Tampa Bay has lost two iconic players this offseason, leaving them with few remnants from their Super Bowl team as it tries to keep expectat...

MARCH 24 • FOX SPORTS

Big Picture: Buccaneers Forced to Forge New Identity Without Mike Evans, Lavonte David

Solid again in complementary role Nelson (knee) recorded 38 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two defensed passes, including a pick-six, and two forced fumbles across 15 regular-season games in 2025.

Impact The veteran extended his streak of seasons with multiple sacks to five while also recording a defensive touchdown for the first time in his career in Week 8 against the Saints. Nelson's 385-snap tally on defense was his lowest since 2021, although that's largely explained by the fact he missed the last two games of the season due to his knee injury. Nelson is committed to the Buccaneers through the 2026 season, and he's projected to continue filling his customary rotational role during his contract year.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Week 18 Nelson (knee) has been Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers.

Impact Nelson is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained knee suffered in Tampa Bay's Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The 28-year-old is an important part of the Buccaneers' linebacker corps, recording 38 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles over 15 appearances this season. While he's sidelined during Saturday's must-win matchup, expect Chris Braswell to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

JANUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Wednesday Nelson (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Impact Nelson suffered a sprained knee during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The injury prevented him from playing against the Dolphins in Week 17, and the 2019 fourth-rounder has been held out of each of the first two practices of Week 18 prep. He would need to practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday to have a realistic chance of playing in Saturday's regular-season finale against the Panthers.

DECEMBER 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they'll need help to win the NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes

DECEMBER 30, 2025 • Associated Press

Buccaneers are still in the race for the NFC South title despite an eighth loss in 10 games

Coach Todd Bowles keeps referring to “certain guys” being a problem

DECEMBER 29, 2025 • Associated Press

Out for Sunday Nelson (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact The 28-year-old sustained a knee sprain in the Week 16 loss to the Panthers and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. While Nelson is sidelined in Week 17, expect Chris Braswell to operate as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

DECEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

DNP with knee Nelson (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Nelson was diagnosed with a knee sprain Monday after playing just three defensive snaps in last Sunday's loss to the Panthers before departing with injury. The linebacker was unable to practice Wednesday and will likely not be able to for the remainder of the week, leaving Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul to fill the hole at outside linebacker.

DECEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Buccaneers-Dolphins Injury Report Dec.24: Tristan Wirfs, Anthony Nelson Did Not Participate A look at Wednesday's injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup

DECEMBER 24, 2025 • BUCCANEERS.COM

Diagnosed with knee sprain Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Nelson suffered a sprained knee in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Nelson played just three defensive snaps against Carolina before departing with the injury. On the season, the veteran edge rusher has recorded 38 tackles (21 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and a pair of pass breakups, including one interception. Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul will be candidates for increased playing time if Nelson needs to miss any further game action.

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Despite another loss, Buccaneers still would secure the NFC South with two wins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still control their playoff hopes despite losing for the sixth time in seven games

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • Associated Press

Bryce Young throws 2 TDs, Panthers finally beat Bucs 23-20 to take over first place in NFC South

Bryce Young threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, Lathan Ransom intercepted Baker Mayfield with 42 seconds left and the Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 on S...

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Won't return vs. Carolina Nelson (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact Nelson injured his knee in the first quarter, and after being evaluated by medical staff, the injury has been determined severe enough for him to be sidelined for the rest of Sunday's game. Chris Braswell, Markees Watts and Jason Pierre-Paul are slated for more rotational snaps at the edge rusher position due to Nelson's injury.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Hurts knee, questionable to return Nelson is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 16 game against Carolina due to a knee injury.

Impact Nelson was hurt during the first quarter of the big NFC South matchup. The veteran linebacker typically logs a defensive snap share north of 50 percent while also contributing on special teams, so his exit is impactful. While Nelson is out, Chris Braswell and Jason Pierre-Paul could see more reps on defense.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Tristan Wirfs' TD catch and late defensive stop help Buccaneers beat Cardinals 20-17

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have snapped a three-game skid with a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals

NOVEMBER 30, 2025 • Associated Press

Cleared to play against Cards Nelson (ribs) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact Nelson ended Week 13 prep with a full practice Friday, and he has done enough over the weekend and in pregame warmups to be given the green light to play Sunday. He saw his snap count on defense increase over the Bucs' last four games, but his playing time will likely take a hit due to the return of Haason Reddick (ankle/knee).

NOVEMBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to play vs. Cards Nelson (ribs) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Impact After missing practice Wednesday with the rib injury, Nelson managed a limited practice Thursday and upgraded to full participation Friday. He's trending in the right direction, but if there's a setback before Sunday's game, 2024 second-rounder Chris Braswell might benefit in terms of playing time on the edge in Week 13.

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Thursday Nelson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Nelson has been working through a rib injury during Week 13 prep, but his ability to return to practice Thursday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a sign that the 2019 fourth-rounder is trending in the right direction. Nelson's practice participation Friday will provide more clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

No go for practice Nelson (ribs) was a non-participant at practice Wednesday.

Impact Nelson recorded three total tackles (two solo) in Sunday night's 34-7 loss to the Rams, and he may have picked up a ribs injury in the process. The linebacker will have two more opportunities to practice prior to the team's matchup with the Cardinals on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Two stops against Buffalo Nelson posted two tackles (one solo) during the Buccaneers' 44-32 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Impact Nelson was able to shake off an illness to suit up Sunday and played 60 total snaps (49 on defense, 11 on special teams), though his tackle count was his lowest since Week 5 against the Seahawks (one). The 2019 fourth-rounder has started in each of the Buccaneers' last three games, which has coincided with the absence of Haason Reddick (ankle). Nelson is up to 29 tackles (16 solo), including 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick-six through 10 regular-season games.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to play at Buffalo Nelson (illness) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Nelson popped up on the Buccaneers' injury report Thursday with an illness, but it doesn't seem like it was anything serious, and he's on track to suit up in Week 11. With two-time Pro-Bowler Haason Reddick (ankle) out, Nelson projects to start on the edge opposite 2023 third-rounder Yaya Diaby.

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Thursday Nelson (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Impact Nelson popped up on Thursday's injury report with an illness, leaving his status for Sunday's road game against the Bills in question. Due to the absence of Haason Reddick (ankle/knee), the outside linebacker played 92 percent of defensive snaps in last week's loss to the Patriots and made use of the increased opportunity by logging six tackles (three solo). Depending on if Nelson is able to log a practice tomorrow in any capacity, the consistent contributor to the Buccaneers linebacker corps may be sidelined by his immune system.

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Secures six stops in Week 10 loss Nelson posted six tackles (three solo) Sunday in a loss to New England.

Impact Nelson compiled the third-most tackles on Tampa Bay while recording a season-high 92 percent defensive snap share in defeat. The increased opportunity came as a result of Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) missing another contest. Nelson has registered 27 tackles (including 3.0 sacks), two forced fumbles and a pick-six across nine games this season.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back from bye, Buccaneers still unlikely to have several key starters against Patriots

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rested and refreshed after a bye week that came at the right time with several players dealing with injuries

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • Associated Press

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