TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht wasn't ready to give a green light for the return of All-Pro guard Carl Nicks for the start of training camp.

Speaking with the media following a town hall meeting on WDAE (620 AM) radio, Licht wouldn't rule out the possibility of Nicks starting camp on the physically unable to perform list. Nicks missed all but two games last season with a toe injury and a MRSA infection.

"He's been working hard this summer," Licht said. "I know he's lost weight. He's been doing everything he's supposed to be doing to get out there. We'll know more tomorrow. It's a process there. We don't want to do anything too quick with him and we want to make sure we're making a decision with him that's best for him and best for us. It's a marathon, it's not a race with him."

Players are scheduled to report to camp Thursday morning and the first practice is set for Friday afternoon. Nicks missed the entire offseason program.

Nicks did pass a physical in June, but Licht made it sound like the team would proceed with caution.

"He's been cleared to do football activities," Licht said. "We're going to do it the right way and we're going to make sure."

In other news, Licht told the radio audience that talks continue about a contract extension for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Licht wouldn't set any time table, but said he has a good relationship with the player and his agent and is confident a deal can be worked out.

Also in front of the audience, Licht had some strong words about much maligned defensive end Da'Quan Bowers -- "To put it bluntly, we need him to show up".