Cade Otton

Otton (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday night s game vs. the Cowboys. HC Todd Bowles called him a game-time decision on Friday morning, but he s evidently unlikely to play. The other TEs on Tampa Bay s roster are Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and Devin Culp. None is a viable fantasy play. Otton s absence should push more targets to the WRs and RBs.

Otton is averaging 2.5 catches for 36 since Mike Evans returned to the lineup and a bum knee isn't going to help his cause. Even if he suits up, Otton is buried in the TE2 ranks for Week 16. Ko Kieft and Payne Durham would see extra reps at tight end if Otton is out, though neither would crack to the top 24 fantasy tight ends.

Otton was seen sporting a knee brace and working off to the side at Thursday's practice. His production has slowed in recent weeks after an early stretch in which he topped 75-plus receiving yards in three-straight games, as he's managed just 10-144-0 on 17 targets in his last four games, but Otton remains a pivotal part of the Buccaneers' offense. If he's not able to go in Week 16 against the Cowboys, second-year tight end Payne Durham would be next in line to see work.

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. We don't have any other details on his status or whether he's in danger of missing Sunday night's game vs. the Cowboys. Otton has averaged just 4.3 targets and 2.5 catches over the last four games with WR Mike Evans back.