Analysis

This was predictable, as Otton was listed as doubtful following Friday's final injury report. Given the starting end won't travel with the team to Dallas, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp will likely act as a positional platoon in an effort to replace Otton's multi-faceted capabilities.

Analysis

Otton returned to practice Friday as a limited participant, using a large brace over his left knee, with Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles telling reporters that he expected the tight end to be a game-time decision Sunday. Things may not have gone as well in practice as Bowles was hoping for, and the Bucs now consider Otton unlikely to play, leaving Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp as candidates to pick up extra snaps at tight end. Durham has been getting the most playing time of the bunch in recent weeks, but he's caught just two passes all season (which is two more than Kieft or Culp).

Analysis

Otton handled his usual, near-every-down role in last week's win over the Chargers but then missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. River Wells of Bucs Gameday spotted Otton at practice Friday, albeit with a large brace over his injured left knee. The Buccaneers figure to list their starting tight end as questionable on the final injury report unless he emerges from practice with a setback.

Analysis

Otton has yet to take part in drills this week while donning a knee brace on the side at practice, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. In the event that Otton isn't able to play Sunday in Dallas, offensive coordinator Liam Coen expressed confidence that Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and even rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp will be able to fill in capably for Otton, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Ultimately, the Buccaneers may make a ruling on Otton's upcoming availability as soon as they post their final Week 16 injury report Friday.

Analysis

Since earning 10-plus targets in three consecutive games from Weeks 7 through 9, Otton has mustered a 15-179-0 line on 25 targets over the last five games. The downturn in production was likely a byproduct of Mike Evans' return to the lineup Week 12, but Otton also has just three red-zone targets over the last four games and hasn't scored a touchdown during that time. Otton's health is now worth tracking as the Buccaneers prepare for Sunday's contest at Dallas.

Analysis

Starting wideouts Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan combined for 14 receptions, 238 yards and three touchdown catches, leaving little else for the rest of Tampa Bay's air attack. That included Otton, who posted his lowest yardage total since Week 6 and tied his second-lowest target tally of the campaign as well. Nevertheless, the third-year tight end remains an important complementary part of the passing game and could see an uptick in work during a favorable Week 16 road matchup against the Cowboys.

Analysis

The third-year tight end finished with a team-high receiving yardage figure and ranked second in receptions as well. The highlight of Otton's afternoon was a 44-yard reception in the fourth quarter that helped set up the Buccaneers' final touchdown of the game, and Sunday marked his most productive showing since a Week 9, 77-yard effort against the Chiefs. Otton should continue to be an integral part of the Buccaneers' shorthanded passing attack in a Week 15 road matchup against the Chargers.

Analysis

Otton saw his role bounce back after earning only three targets in Week 12, as his seven targets Sunday were tied for second on the team. However, the good news ends there, as he did little with the opportunity. Otton's longest reception went for just seven yards, and he's now been held to 35 yards or fewer in three straight contests.

Analysis

With Mike Evans back on the field after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Otton saw his workload decrease significantly. The third-year tight end did put together an impressive gain on his one catch, but he's now seen his receiving yardage totals drop over that of the previous game in four consecutive contests. Otton will have the benefit of a favorable matchup when the Bucs travel to face the Panthers in Week 13.