Pat Yasinskas, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Bucs LB Lavonte David confident he'll play Sunday

TAMPA, Fla. – Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David said he’s confident he’ll be able to play Sunday against Cincinnati.

David, who missed last Sunday's game with Chicago with a hamstring injury, took part in Friday’s practice. David said sitting out last week was difficult.

“It’s very hard sitting out the first time since ever," David said. “It’s real tough for me. Being a competitor, I want to go out there and compete with my teammates. It was tough."

Coach Lovie Smith said David's status could be a game-time decision, but he was encouraged by the return to practice. Smith said getting David back would be a big boost for the defense.

“Quite a bit," Smith said. “Best outside linebacker in ball out there running around and getting close to full speed. That’s a good thing."

The Bucs have some other injury concerns. Center Evan Dietrich-Smith continued to be held out of practice with flu-like symptoms. If Dietrich-Smith isn’t able to play Sunday, Garrett Gilkey likely would fill his role.

Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (hamstring) didn’t practice. If McDonald can’t play, Akeem Spence likely would replace him. Backup tight ends Luke Stocker (concussion) and Brandon Myers (calf) were held out of practice and it’s unlikely they’ll play. The team elevated Cameron Brate from the practice squad and said D.J. Williams and BrateĀ are the likely backups for Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Safety Dashon Goldson also was experiencing flu-like symptoms and was held out of practice.

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