Markees Watts Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Buccaneers vs Panthers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 23, 2025
Active for SNF
Watts (hand) is active for Sunday night's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Watts hasn't played since Week 8 but will make his return to the lineup Sunday night. The 25-year-old linebacker has logged just 15 snaps on defense this season but has been a big contributor on special teams for Tampa Bay. Watts has produced six tackle (one solo), including 0.5 sacks, across eight appearances.
Nov 21, 2025
Chance to play Week 12
Watts (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts drew the questionable tag for Sunday despite being a full participant in practice all week, and he has a chance to return from a two-game absence. He has mostly served on special teams this season, but he also saw some rotational snaps at outside linebacker prior to his injury.
Nov 14, 2025
Out for Sunday at Buffalo
Watts (hand) is out for Sunday's game against the Bills, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts will sit out his second straight contest in Week 11, this time because of a hand injury. His being out could potentially leave more playing time on the edge for 2024 second-rounder Chris Braswell.
Nov 7, 2025
Out for Sunday
Watts (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
The Charlotte product didn't practice all week due to a hand injury, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up for the Week 10 matchup. While Watts is sidelined, expect Chris Braswell to operate as the Buccaneers' top reserve outside linebacker.
Jun 6, 2025
Taking part in OTAs
Watts (knee) has been participating in the Buccaneers' offseason training activities.
ANALYSIS
Watts landed on IR due to a knee injury ahead of Week 6 last season, and though he was designated to return in late November, he was never activated. The third-year linebacker is seemingly back to full health given his participation in OTAs and will have a chance to compete for a spot on the Bucs' 53-man roster. Watts played almost exclusively on special teams when healthy last season, and he'd likely do the same in 2025 if he makes the team.
Dec 18, 2024
Unlikely to be activated off IR
Head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Watts (knee) is likely to remain on injured reserve for the rest of the 2024 season, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts' 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened Nov. 27, but it appears there isn't room on the 53-man roster for the 25-year-old linebacker. As such, Watts will be forced to remain on the Buccaneers' IR for the rest of the 2024 season, including the playoffs should Tampa Bay qualify. Should that be the case, Watts will end his 2024 campaign with zero tackles across five regular-season games.
Dec 13, 2024
Not returning to action Week 15
Watts (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's battle against the Chargers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts has been on IR since early October, though he was designated to return Nov. 27. His 21-day practice window closes this coming Tuesday, so Tampa Bay will need to either activate him by then or lose him for the remainder of the campaign. Watts was able to log a trio of full practices this week, so he at least appears to be making progress toward a return.
Dec 6, 2024
Won't return from IR for Week 14
Watts (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts opened the week with consecutive full practices, but it appears he has not progressed enough in his recovery from a knee injury to be activated off IR ahead of Sunday's contest. Watts' next chance to play will be Week 15 against the Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Nov 27, 2024
Designated to return
Watts (quadriceps) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.
ANALYSIS
The Charlotte product failed to record a stat across the Buccaneers' first five games this season before being placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury. Watts returned to practice without any limitations Wednesday, suggesting that he could play as soon as the Bucs' Week 13 matchup against the Panthers. However, he must still be activated to the active roster before suiting up Sunday.
Oct 7, 2024
Goes on IR
Watts (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Watts has appeared in all five games this season for Tampa Bay, working primarily on special teams. However, he'll now be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a quadriceps tear in Thursday's loss to the Falcons.
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