Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead is expected to play through a fully torn labrum in Super Bowl LV, a source tells NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The injury includes additional shoulder damage.
Whitehead was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but practiced fully on Friday.
In his third season, the Pitt product has 81 tackles and two interceptions. Whitehead had five tackles in the NFC Championship Game against Green Bay.
In other news for the Bucs, wide receiver Chris Godwin will be a free agent and the team doesn't want him going anywhere. Expect attempts to do a long-term deal and the franchise tag is available, too. Godwin should be back, according to Rapoport.
As for the Bucs backfield, running back Leonard Fournette is headed for free agency after signing a one-year deal with Tampa Bay following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tampa Bay would like Fournette back, but it will depend on the kind of interest he gets from other suitors, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Sunday. The Buccaneers also must decide if they want to work out a long-term deal with running back Ronald Jones, who's entering the final season of his rookie contract, Garafolo added.
The Buccaneers are scheduled to take on the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at 6:30 p.m. ET.
