Buccanners Head Coach Greg Schiano stated Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that "Josh Freeman is our quarterback, and I believe with Josh Freeman we can accomplish our goals."

Analysis: This is somewhat reassuring news for Freeman heading into the 2013 season, however don't forget that the Bucs are still not considering giving Freeman a contract extension, and have earlier this offseason expressed interest in adding a solid QB to the roster. Either way, Freeman could have a big 2013 if he can respond to the pressure of playing for a new contract and silencing his critics.

Josh Freeman: No Contract Extension Imminent

The Bucs are not looking to extend Freeman's contract this offseason, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: That means his rookie deal will expire after 2013. If he plays great, the team will use its franchise tag on Freeman and try to sign him to a long-term deal. Needless to say, the Bucs, while still not giving up on him by any means, are not thrilled with his poor showing at the end of the 2012 season, as they are looking to bring in a competitive veteran QB this offseason. The positive is Freeman will be playing for a new contract in 2013, so if things go right, he could improve on his 2012 totals of 4,065 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Freeman completed 19-of-35 passes for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He finishes 2012 completing 306-of-558 passes for 4,065 yards, 27 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Analysis: Though Freeman set career-highs for yards and touchdowns in 2012, his completion percentage was a concerningly low 54.8%, and he had his least succesful campaign running the ball in 2012 with only 139 yards on 3.6 yards per rush. Freeman should still be the starter at QB for the Buccaneers in 2013, but don't be surprised if the team signs a solid veteran to give him a run for his job.

Freeman in a free-fall

In his Week 17 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" report, Michael Fabiano notes, "Freeman's numbers have been poor in recent weeks. And while the Falcons could decide to rest their starters in the second half, do you want to trust Freeman in your fantasy championship? I can't make that sort of move." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: Freeman has scored fewer than 13 fantasy points his last two games, notching four interceptions in each outing. Look for safer options if available.

Freeman completed 30-of-54 passes for 372 yards and a touchdown, but was picked off four times Sunday against the Rams. He also added 18 rushing yards on four carries.

Analysis: Freeman connected with seven different receivers and helped Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams eclipse 100 yards receiving. Unfortunately, his interception issue continued and he's now thrown eight of them in the last two games combined. After helping the Bucs become one of the better offenses in the League by midseason, Freeman has seemingly fallen off quickly. The season finale is a trip to Atlanta against a Falcons team that has already clinched the top spot in the NFC, so it's possible that Freeman could be going up against some backup defenders.

Freeman loses luster

In his Week 16 "Fantasy Mailbag", Michael Fabiano notes Freeman has "recorded fewer than 17 fantasy points in four of his last five contests." READ: MAILBAG

Analysis: Freeman was an enormous disappointment last week, scoring a meager 1.96 fantasy points against a New Orleans Saints defense that had allowed an average of over 19 points per game to quarterbacks. The matchup this week isn't as easy given the Rams have allowed just 14 passing scores this season.

Freeman has among worst games

Josh Freeman endured one of his worst outings of the season for Tampa Bay (6-8), throwing four interceptions and losing a fumble. FOLLOW WITH GAME CENTER

Analysis: After scoring no less than 16 points his previous two performances, this was clearly a step back against one of the league's worst secondaries.

Freeman completed 26-of-47 passes for 279 yards Sunday against the Saints but also threw four interceptions and lost a fumble.

Analysis: A downright abysmal game for Freeman, who has struggled as of late after an incredibly hot run in the middle of the season. Playing against one of the league's worst defenses, Freeman failed to get any kind of rhythm going and often missed receivers by huge margins. It won't get any easier next week against a Rams' defense that held the Vikings to 131 yards through the air Sunday.

Freeman thrived vs. Saints in previous meeting

In his "Like/Dislike" analysis, Adam Rank notes the Saints defense has "allowed the most points to fantasy quarterbacks this year." FULL LIKE/DISLIKE

Analysis: Freeman has scored fewer than 16 points just once in his last nine games. He posted his season high total of 30.10 points in Week 7 against the Saints.

Freeman a start of the week

In his Week 15 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes, "Freeman is a terrific fantasy option this week, as he faces a Saints defense that has allowed more fantasy points to quarterbacks overall than any other team in the league." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: Back in Week 7, Freeman ripped this unit for 420 yards, three scoring passes and 30.10 fantasy points. Expect another productive stat line for the veteran.

Freeman completed only 14-of-34 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the Bucs' 23-21 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: Freeman, who also had two carries for 13 yards, failed to complete 50 percent of his passes for the second straight week. Though at least he didn't throw any interceptions, Freeman's accuracy issues are costing the team wins and their offense efficiency.

Eagles defense struggling vs. quarterbacks

In his Week 14 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes "Freeman is a terrific fantasy option this week, as he faces an Eagles defense that has allowed 25-plus fantasy points to quarterbacks in each of the last three weeks." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: What's more, this defense has surrendered 15-plus fantasy points to field generals in each of their last seven games. Look for Freeman to join that list this week.

Freeman completed 18-of-39 passes for 242 yards with two touchdowns and one interception Sunday against the Broncos. He also added seven rushing yards on two carries.

Analysis: Freeman connected with six different receivers, throwing touchdowns to Mike Williams and Dallas Clark against a very good Broncos' pass defense. Up next is an Eagles' defense that has been decent against the pass this season with a few big names in the secondary.

Broncos tough on QBs

In his Week 13 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes, "the Broncos defense has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing signal-callers, so Freeman is no lock to rebound from last week's weak stat line." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: It's very hard to bench a quarterback who has been as good as Freeman, and you shouldn't do it without a viable alternative, but this might be the week to let him ride your bench.

Freeman struggles vs. Falcons

Freeman completed 19 of 30 passes for 256 yards, but failed to find the end zone on Sunday. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: His 10.24 fantasy points was his worst total since Week 4 this season.

Freeman completed 19-of-30 passes for 256 yards Sunday against the Falcons.

Analysis: Sunday's game marked the first time this year that Freeman failed to throw a touchdown pass, although he's still managed to throw 21 on the season. Next up is a Broncos' defense that was ranked ninth against the pass heading into Sunday.

Bucs among top scoring offenses

As noted in NFL Films' Falcons vs. Buccaneers preview, "Josh Freeman has blossomed, throwing multiple touchdowns in three straight games" this season. The Bucs also are tied for the top scoring offense this season, averaging 29 points per game. WATCH FALCONS/BUCS PREVIEW

Analysis: The Falcons defense is ranked fifth in scoring, allowing opponents an average of just 19.3 points per game. Temper expectations for Freeman this week, but he should still be considered starter-worthy. The quarterback has not scored less than 16 fantasy points since Week 4.

Freeman a must-start candidate

Freeman completed 25 of 46 passes for 248 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the Buccaneers overtime win over the Panthers on Sunday. He also added 27 yards rushing on five carries. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: Despite the turnovers, Freeman was still able to post 22.62 fantasy points. He's now scored no less than 22 fantasy points in four of his last six games and no less than 16 points in his last eight.

Freeman completed 25-of-46 passes for 248 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions Sunday against the Panthers. He also added 27 rushing yards on five carries.

Analysis: Freeman connected with seven different receivers, throwing touchdowns to Vincent Jackson, Dallas Clark, and Nate Byham. Freeman has now thrown for multiple touchdowns in six straight games and next faces a Falcons' defense that was ranked 20th in the NFL against the pass heading into Week 11.

Quarterbacks effective versus Panthers

In his "Week 11 Predictions" analysis, Elliot Harrison notes, "Opposing quarterbacks have compiled a 108.3 passer rating against the Carolina Panthers when throwing the ball downfield 20 yards or more. Freeman has completed 17 passes of that distance for a league-high 700 yards." FULL WEEK 11 PREDICTIONS

Analysis: As Freeman succeeds, so do the likes of Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson. Though the Panthers secondary ranks 16th against the pass, they have only allowed 10 passing scores (7th in NFL) through the air this season, so temper expectations.

Freeman becoming elite

In his "Move the Sticks" analysis, Daniel Jeremiah notes, "Freeman has been the key player in the Bucs' turnaround season. In the offseason, Freeman dedicated himself to getting in better physical shape, and he's played solid football all year. He has all of the tools to be one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks." READ: WEEK 10 NOTES

Analysis: Freeman has thrown for 13 TDs with one interception in his past five games, helping the Bucs (5-4) win four times to climb back over .500 following a 1-3 start. He's thriving under Mike Sullivan's offense, and his 16 point performance was actually his lowest total in the last five games.

Freeman continues hot-streak

Freeman completed 14 of 20 passes with two touchdowns in the Buccaneers win over the Chargers on Sunday. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: Freeman has thrown for 13 TDs with one interception in his past five games, helping the Bucs (5-4) win four times to climb back over .500 following a 1-3 start. He's thriving under Mike Sullivan's offense, and his 16 point performance was actually his lowest total in the last five games.

Freeman completed 14-of-20 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Chargers. He also added one carry for four rushing yards.

Analysis: The Buccaneers benefitted from touchdowns by their defense and their special teams unit, which left Freeman and the offense not having to do too much. Nevertheless, he still managed to throw multiple touchdowns for the fifth straight game and he's got a 13:1 TD:INT ratio over that span.

Buccaneers offense creating mismatches

In his "Super Bowl Contenders" analysis, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks notes, "The Buccaneers have averaged 36 points per game over the past four weeks. More importantly, the unit has displayed the kind of versatility that can create headaches for defensive coordinators, who will have a hard time attempting to neutralize the Buccaneers' most explosive weapons." READ: SUPER BOWL CONTENDERS

Analysis: Fantasy owners should consider Josh Freeman, Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams good options this week against a Chargers defense which has allowed 14 passing scores and an average of 237 yards passing per game. Doug Martin might have a tougher road against the Chargers 4th ranked rush defense, but he has proven too explosive to not have him in your lineup.

Freeman completed 18-of-30 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Raiders. He also added 22 rushing yards on five carries but lost a fumble.

Analysis: A fairly good game for Freeman, who didn't need to do much with Doug Martin rushing for 251 yards and four touchdowns. Freeman has been playing very well as of late, passing for 11 touchdowns versus only one interception in his last four games.

Buccaneers offense rising up ranks

In his Week 9 Power Rankings, Elliot Harrison notes Doug Martin "made mincemeat of pretty much all 11 Vikings defensive starters last Thursday night. If Josh Freeman and Mike Williams can replicate some of the plays they made together against Minnesota, this will be one very difficult offense to stop going forward." FULL WEEK 9 POWER RANKINGS

Analysis: The Bucs face the Raiders and Chargers the next two weeks, both teams in the top eleven vs. the run, but in the bottom eleven vs. the pass. Martin will still carry value because of his pass catching skills, so expect continued success from Freeman and his wideouts.

Freeman completed 19-of-36 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns in the Bucs' 36-17 beat-down of the Vikings Thursday night.

Analysis: Freeman did not have any turnovers and threw three TD passes for the third straight week. He has a tasty Week 9 match-up against the porous Raiders defense so he worthy of being rostered in most formats at this point in time.

Freeman turns the corner

In his "Higher or Lower" predictions, fantasy expert Jason Smith believes Josh Freeman is "no longer a matchup-based starter, but a full-fledged week-in and week-out No. 1 quarterback for your fantasy team. Tampa Bay is Freeman-powered and he has two terrific wide receivers to spread the ball around to" READ: HIGHER/LOWER

Analysis: Freeman now has over 1,000 yards passing and seven touchdowns in the last three weeks. He faces the Vikings' 11th ranked pass defense on Thursday Night Football, but he's been on a hot-streak, scoring no less that 23 fantasy points each of his last two games.

Freeman thrives despite loss

Josh Freeman threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns for the Bucs. His bid to force overtime ended with three straight incompletions from inside the Saints' 10 yard line. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: Though he failed to notch the win, it was Freeman's second-straight 20-plus point fantasy performance. He is looking more comfortable in Mike Sullivan's offense and should be considered a matchup based option.

Freeman completed 24-of-42 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns Sunday against the Saints. He also added nine rushing yards on two carries.

Analysis: An impressive yardage output on only 24 completed passes, Freeman connected with eight different receivers, including Vincent Jackson who caught seven passes for 216 yards and a touchdown. Freeman has been excellent for fantasy owners lately, passing for over 325 yards with three touchdowns in back-to-back games. Unfortunately, a showdown in Minnesota next week could stall his streak.

Freeman has history of success vs. Saints

In his Week 7 Like/Dislike analysis, fantasy expert Adam Rank notes Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman "has six touchdowns and no interceptions in his last four games against the Saints." FULL LIKE/DISLIKE REPORT

Analysis: The matchup is nice, as the New Orleans Saints have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to fantasy quarterbacks in 2012.

Freeman shines vs. Chiefs

Josh Freeman threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, and Ronde Barber scored on a 78-yard interception return to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the struggling Kansas City Chiefs 38-10 on Sunday. FULL GAME RECAP

Analysis: This was the game Freeman owners have been waiting for, but it will be safest to take a wait- and -see approach before fully trusting him as your starter.

Freeman completed 15-of-26 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns Sunday against the Chiefs.

Analysis: A monster game for Freeman, who had really struggled coming into Week 6. He completed passes to seven different receivers, throwing touchdowns to Mike Williams (1) and Vincent Jackson (2). He faces a Saints' defense next week that has struggled to stop anyone this year.

Freeman on track for big day

Freeman connected with Vincent Jackson for a 19 yard score in the third quarter. He now has two touchdowns on the day to go with 198 passing yards. FOLLOW WITH GAME CENTER

Analysis: It's a good rebound for Freeman, who started the day with an interception. He currently has 14.92 fantasy points in just over two quarters of play.

Williams scores in second quarter

Josh Freeman connected with Mike Williams for a 62 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of their matchup against the Chiefs. FOLLOW WITH GAME CENTER

Analysis: With defenses focused on Vincent Jackson, Williams has quietly been a good No. 3 fantasy wideout producer.

Freeman a bye week option

In his Week 6 fantasy matchup breakdown, Marcas Grant writes that for owners "looking for a bye-week replacement, Josh Freeman is an option." READ: FANTASY MATCHUPS BREAKDOWN

Analysis: The Chiefs' secondary has allowed an average of 18.32 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this season. With a bye week to prepare and the potential for this offense to be on the field often in Brady Quinn's first start of the season, you could do worse.

Through four games, Freeman has averaged 197.5 passing yards per game, which ranks him 28th in the league among starting QBs in that category.

Analysis: Freeman, who recorded a nifty 25:6 TD;INT ratio in 2010 and dropped to 16:22 in 2011, now has recorded five touchdowns vs. four interceptions to date. On the plus side, he did pass for a season-high 299 yards in Week 4 and will get a crack at a Chiefs' defense that has allowed 10 passing TDs (only the Redskins have allowed more) thus far when the Bucs return to action in Week 6.

Freeman completed 10-of-28 passes for 110 yards with one touchdown and one interception Sunday against the Cowboys.

Analysis: Freeman was absolutely dreadful against the Cowboys, who forced two Freeman fumbles (both recovered by Tampa Bay) and sacked him twice. Freeman was unable to connect with any of his receivers more than twice and couldn't get anything going on the ground either, rushing for one yard on a single carry.

Freeman completed 15-of-28 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the Bucs' 41-34 loss to the Giants Sunday.

Analysis: Overall a decent performance for Freeman, although better accuracy on his part might have helped the Bucs pull out the victory Sunday.

Freeman completed 16-of-24 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, as well as seven carries for 13 yards, during Sunday's win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Freeman led the Bucs to 13 first half points, which turned out to be enough to win the game. It wasn't a steller fantasy performance by any means as Freeman struggled to connect with Vincent Jackson, who caught only four of the 10 pases thrown his way.

The Bucs took a page out of the Patriots playbook sitting every offensive starter including Josh Freeman on Wednesday.

Analysis: No reason to risk injury in a meaningless game. Freeman killed a few fantasy teams last year but could be a sneaky pick this season as he has new toys to play with in WR Vincent Jackson and RB Doug Martin.

Freeman completed 10-of-19 passes for 102 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Freeman connected with Vincent Jackson three times for 49 yards and if the duo's chemistry continues to build, it can only help Freeman bounce back from his 2011 regression, which saw him complie a 16:22 TD:INT ratio after recording a stellar 25:6 ratio in 2010.

Freeman completed 4-of-10 passes for 21 yards and one touchdown in Friday's preseason loss to the Titans.

Analysis: Freeman also added one rush for seven yards. Freeman is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 season in 2012.

New WR Vincent Jackson feels that Freeman is a top-five NFL QB, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Well, that's a nice complement from a new teammate, but Freeman still has a ways to go to truly be in the conversation. He looked to be on his way in 2010, but last year's slip is cause for concern. That being said, Freeman should bounce back in 2012 in large part due to the presence of Jackson.

Freeman was 4-of-5 passing for 41 yards in Friday's preseason win over Miami. He started the game and played just one series.

Analysis: Freeman didn't need to do much as Tampa Bay's running game was impressive on a 59-yard, 13-play drive that resulted in a touchdown. An improved running game would certainly help Freeman have a bounceback season.

Freeman left practice suffering from dehydration Friday, but was able to return later, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: As one might imagine it was rather hot at training camp in Tampa Bay on Friday. In addition, new Bucs coach Greg Schiano is running a tough camp, and Freeman is pushing himself hard to improve from last season. Freeman should be fine long-term so no real worries here at this point.

Freeman has lost roughly 20 pounds in an effort to become more mobile and bounce back from a down season in 2011, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: "You've seen a guy who's completely committed to getting his season back on track and hitting the reset button and getting his game back to hopefully to more of what we saw in 2010 as a young 22-year-old," General Manager Mark Dominik said Wednesday on NFL.com's "Cover Two" podcast. "The last couple years, he's been playing around 255-260 (pounds). Right now, he's sitting downstairs (at the team facility) weighing about 235-238. Dominik said that Freeman's weight loss was completely voluntary, and no coach or trainer recommended he shed weight. This could be good news from a fantasy perspective in terms of Freeman's chances to rebound from a disapointing (22 interceptions and only 16 touchdowns) 2011 campaign.

Freeman, much like the Bucs as a whole, had a disapointing 2011 season as he completed 346-of-551 pass attempts for 3,592 yards, 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

Analysis: Freeman also lost 5 fumbles in 2011 as he returned to his turnover-prone ways of his rookie season in 2009. Freeman regressed from his promising 2010 season in 2011 as his TD passes dropped from 25 to 16 and his interceptions rose from six to 22. On the plus side, Freeman did rush for 238 yards and a career-high four touchdowns and completed a career-high 62.8 percent of his passes in 2011. Freeman will enter the 2012 season only 24 years of age even though it will be year four of his career, so there is still plenty of potential here, just tread carefully when it comes to fantasy expectations until he shows that 2010 was not a fluke.

Though Freeman has had a shaky season this year, the Bucs' still believe he has a bright future, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: The numbers posted by Freeman this fall don't suggest there's much to be optimistic about. But those who know him best say they see as much upside as ever. After his 25-touchdown, six-interception 2010, Freeman has struggled. He has completed a slightly higher percentage of his passes and is on pace to throw for more yards, but thrown 14 touchdowns versus 19 interceptions (tied for the league high). His average per completion is down from 7.3 yards to 6.6. In addition, Freeman, 23, has coped with thumb and shoulder injuries, missing a game for the first time in his three-year career, on Dec. 4 against Carolina. What all this boils down to is that if team as a whole can get itself straightened out somewhat this offseason, then we may see Freeman return to his 2010 production in 2012.

Freeman (shoulder) completed 28-of-38 passes for 274 yards with a touchdown and a pick in Saturday's loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: Freeman continues to be hit-or-miss, as his disappointing 14:19 TD/INT ratio demonstrates. Heading into Week 17's season finale against the Falcons, the Bucs have nothing to play for other than trying to avoid the indignation of finishing the 2011 season with 10 straight losses.

Freeman (shoulder) is active for Saturday's game at Carolina.

Analysis: Freeman has not done much this year, but he has a nice match-up this week if you are in a pinch.

Freeman (shoulder) was a full practice participant Friday and is probable for Saturday's game against Carolina, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman has been a disappointment all year, but at least he faces a very weak Carolina pass defense this week. Still, he's best left on the bench outside of two-quarterback leagues.

Freeman (shoulder) practiced in full Wednesday, according to NFL.com.

Analysis: Freeman should be available at Carolina on Saturday, but it's probably wise to avoid him, unless you don't have better options.

Freeman completed 17-of-27 passes for 148 yards, with a touchdown in the Bucs' loss to the Cowboys on Saturday. He also ran four times for 37 yards.

Analysis: Not a huge day for his fantasy owners, but at least he avoided throwing a pick for the first time since Week 9. Still, his disappointing 13:18 TD/INT ratio stands out, given that he finished up the 2010 season with a spiffy 25:6 ratio.

Freeman (shoulder) is active Saturday against Dallas, the Buccaneers official Twitter feed reports.

Analysis: Freeman could have a chance for a solid game against a decent Dallas secondary, and he'll likely be forced to throw often, but he hasn't done much to give owners confidence this season.

Freeman (shoulder) is probable for Saturday's game against Dallas.

Analysis: The Dallas secondary lacks talent, but Freeman is still a risky start between his injury and regressed play this year.

Freeman (shoulder) practiced in full Wednesday.

Analysis: Freeman recently admitted that his shoulder is still bothering him, but it looks like he is going to fight through the pain.

Freeman admitted that he played through some shoulder discomfort in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis: Freeman, who completed 16-of-30 passes for 181 yards, while throwing two interceptions Sunday, may be limited at practice this week, but there's no reason to believe that his Week 15 status is in any danger.

Freeman (shoulder) threw for 181 yards with a pair of interceptions in Sunday's blowout loss at Jacksonville. He added 26 yards rushing, including a short touchdown run.

Analysis: Freeman's touchdown came early in the second quarter, as the Bucs took a 14-0 lead. Everything fell apart from there, and Freeman ended up with mediocre numbers. He was replaced late in the game by Josh Johnson with the game out of reach.

Freeman will start Sunday against the Jaguars, Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times reports.

Analysis: No surprise here. If Freeman is healthy enough to play, he will be on the field ahead of Josh Johnson.

Freeman (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Freeman may not be 100 percent, but he deserves some fantasy cred as he faces a much-maligned Jaguars secondary this week. Josh Johnson should be relegated to the bench full-time with Freeman healthy enough to give it a whirl this week.

Freeman experienced a minor setback with his right (throwing) shoulder Friday, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis: On the plus side, Freeman said that his arm improved some Saturday and that he hopes to play Sunday against the Jaguars. Consider him a game-time decision for Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff; If Freeman can't go, Josh Johnson would be in line to make his second straight start.

Freeman (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.

Analysis: Freeman is generally expected to play, however, and he should be a solid QB2 option against a beat-up Jacksonville secondary.

Freeman (shoulder) is throwing passes at Friday's practice and appears likely to start against the Jaguars on Sunday, the St. Petersburg Times' Rick Stroud reports.

Analysis: Freeman sat out Week 13 against the Panthers, and the offense looked out of sync without him. Barring a setback it looks like he'll play on Sunday, and feel free to play him in two quarterback leagues if you need his services.

Freeman (shoulder) is making all throws during Thursday's practice, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis: He even did a Kirk Gibson arm pump after drilling a ball to Arrelious Benn. It looks like Freeman may well be able to return as the Bucs' starting QB Week 14 versus Jacksonville, barring a setback.

Josh Freeman: (Shoulder) Gets Some Light Throwing In

Freeman (shoulder) did some light throwing Wednesday, but is still considered day-to-day, the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: That's a step in the right direction, but Freeman will need to demonstrate as the week progresses that he is capable of throwing with some zip.

Josh Freeman: Shoulder Feeling Better

Freeman (shoulder) says that he feels better than he did last week, but he hasn't thrown yet, the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Freeman, who says that it's a realistic goal for him to play Sunday in Jacksonville, expects to be limited in practice Wednesday afternoon.

Josh Freeman: Optimistic About Playing in Week 14

Freeman (shoulder) believes that he should be fine to play this week, Rick Stroud of The St. Petersburg Times reports.

Analysis: For his part, coach Raheem Morris said that Freeman will be evaluated Monday, so the QB is not out of the woods just yet. In any case, Freeman likely won't test his shoulder out until Wednesday.

As expected, Freeman (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers, the Bucs' official site reports.

Analysis: Josh Johnson will start in place of Freeman. Because of Freeman's late scratch, he may have a shot to return in Week 14.

Josh Freeman: (Shoulder) Won't Start Sunday

With Freeman (shoulder) out, Josh Johnson will start at QB for the Bucs on Sunday against Carolina, Rick Stroud of The St. Petersburg Times reports.

Analysis: More on Freeman's status leading up to next week's game against the Jags, but since he was viewed as a game-time decision this week, we'd expect he has a shot to return in Week 14.

Josh Freeman: (Shoulder) Game-Time Decision

Coach Raheem Morris says that the decision on Freeman's (right shoulder) availability for Week 13's game against the Panthers will definitely go all the way to Sunday, the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: With Freeman a game-time decision, Josh Johnson waits in the wings if he unable to go Sunday. For what it's worth, Morris noted that Johnson had a "spectacular" week of practice, so those who normally rely on Freeman might want to pick him up, just in case.

Freeman threw some passes again Friday, but his right shoulder is still being evaluated, the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Hopefully Freeman's status will be somewhat clarified later Friday, though he seems destined for a questionable Week 13 designation once the Bucs' official injury report is released.

Freeman (right shoulder) made some light throws during Thursday's morning walk-through, but mostly took what the Buccaneers' official site referred to as "mental reps" during the team's afternoon practice.

Analysis: We'll see what Freeman is able to do Friday, but when his injury was initially reported Wednesday, it was suggested that a decision on the QB's status could go all the way to Saturday or possibly Sunday.

Freeman needed five stitches in his right thumb following a gun mishap at a local firing range on Halloween night, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis: This cut came in conjunction with Freeman's sprained thumb he suffered Oct. 23rd versus the Bears. Freeman's thumb has apparently been completely healthy the last two weeks. Perhaps Freeman can have a few better games down stretch with a fully healthy thumb and as long as he avoids questionable off-the-field activities.

Josh Freeman: Dealing With Shoulder Injury

Freeman was limited in practice Wednesday due to a right shoulder injury that has him considered day-to-day, the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Freeman, who hurt his shoulder on the last play of Week 12's game, did not throw Wednesday, with the report adding that a decision on Freeman's Week 13 status could go all the way to Saturday or possibly Sunday, depending on what happens in practice over the next few days. .

Freeman completed 18-of-33 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Bucs' 23-17 loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: Freeman also added three rushes for 10 yards and a lost fumble. Freeman has been a fantasy (and real-life) disappointment this season after his stellar 2010 campaign.

Freeman (thumb) completed 28-of-38 passes for a career-high 342 yards in the Bucs' 35-26 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Freeman added a season-high tying two touchdown passes but also another two interceptions. This was one of Freeman's best offensive games so far this season as the Bucs' offense had arguably its best overall performance of 2011 to date. That being said, Freeman and the team's offense has taken a step back overall in 2011, so he really is not fantasy-worthy unless you are in a deep-league and desperate for QB help.

Freeman (thumb) is active for Sunday's game against Green Bay, Max Luckan of the Sporting News reports.

Analysis: Although their pass defense has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, the Packers are still giving up the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. If nothing else, the Bucs' offense will have to take chances in the passing game to keep pace with the high-octane Green Bay offense in Week 11.

Freeman (thumb) is probable for Sunday's game against Green Bay.

Analysis: His numbers are weak this year, but those forced to roll with Freeman can at least take solace in the fact that he's likely to air it out a good amount as the Buccaneers attempt to keep up with the Packers on Sunday.

Freeman (thumb) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice, according to the NFL's official site.

Analysis: Freeman will be available for Sunday's game against Green Bay, but one has to wonder if his recent slide has anything to do with the thumb injury he's been dealing with.

Freeman (thumb) struggled in Sunday's loss to the Texans, completing just 15-of-35 pass attempts with a touchdown and three interceptions.

Analysis: The Texans have played well defensively this year, but Freeman's inability to toss touchdown passes has been a consistent problem in 2011. With just a 9:13 TD:INT ratio in nine games, Freeman has a lot of work to do to turn around his season.

Freeman (thumb) is active for Sunday's game against Houston.

Analysis: Freeman is on pace for over 4,000 passing yards, but his 8:10 TD/INT ratio through eight games is well off the form that resulted in his tidy 25:6 ratio last season.

Freeman (thumb) is probable for Sunday's game against Houston.

Analysis: He's there if you need him Sunday, but Freeman has been entirely disappointing in 2011.

Freeman (thumb) practiced in full Wednesday.

Analysis: Freeman didn't seem to be affected last week by his thumb injury, and the fact that he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice means he will be available against Houston.

Freeman (thumb) passed for 281 yards with a touchdown in Sunday's 27-16 loss at New Orleans.

Analysis: Freeman had some positive aspects, completing 27-of-37 pass attempts while taking just one sack, although he struggled to lead the Bucs to many points with the only touchdown of the game coming late in the fourth quarter. He looked good in the pocket, however, and the injury to his thumb didn't appear to be a factor.

Freeman (thumb) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Analysis: Freeman's thumb injury doesn't appear to be a big deal, although fantasy owners would like to see him play with more consistency going forward.

Freeman (thumb) is probable for Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Analysis: Freeman's thumb seems like a non-issue, but he remains a risky fantasy play due to the inconsistency he has displayed in 2011.

Freeman (thumb) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Analysis: He should be fine for this week's game against New Orleans, but his up-and-down numbers from this year make him a risky fantasy option.