Report: Bucs G Nicks (MRSA) wants to return by camp

Carl Nicks sounds like he wants to return to the field. (USATSI)

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Buccaneers guard Carl Nicks was one of three Tampa Bay players to suffer from some form of MRSA last season, and though cornerback Johnthan Banks missed just one game, Nicks only managed to suit up for two (and kicker Lawrence Tynes couldn't play at all).

In January, it was reported that the infection potentially could end Nicks' career, because he was still dealing with nerve damage in his foot. Considering the Buccaneers had made such a big investment in Nicks in 2012 -- they signed him to a five-year, $47.5 million deal with $31 million guaranteed -- they probably didn't want to release him at that point. But with a new coach in Lovie Smith in town, Nicks' tenure with the team seemed, at one point, tenuous.

But according to the Tampa Bay Times, Nicks said his goal is to be ready to practice by the time training camp begins.

Nicks said his foot is still painful, and he's dealing with nerve damage after he had to undergo surgery for a recurrence of MRSA last year. But Nicks certainly isn't ready to call it a career. He wants to play football again -- and as soon as possible.

"I got the chicken pox when it comes to that. I'm scratching all the time," Nicks said.

Said Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht last month: “He's moving along pretty good. So far, we've been pleased with his progression. He's continuing the rehab and we'll see where that goes."

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Report: One way or another, QB Terrelle Pryor won't be a Raider by end of Monday



The Raiders have already said publicly that quarterback Terrelle Pryor won't be on their team this season. So, why haven't they just cut the cord already? Well, despite erasing all possible leverage through their words, the Raiders are still trying to trade Pryor for something. If they are unsuccessful in doing so over the next 48 hours, the Raiders will finally release him. That's what Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1 reported Saturday. Monday is when the Raiders open their offseason program.



Matt Schaub is locked in as Oakland's starting QB, and Matt McGloin is his backup right now. Pryor is in the final year of his contract and is owed just $705,000, but I can't imagine that a team is clamoring for his services so much so that it would give up something of value to get him. Pryor will find another place to play, no doubt. He is only 24 years old and is a special athlete even if he isn't a competent NFL quarterback. But I would be surprised if a trade is swung before Monday's self-imposed deadline.Fantasy value? Uh, not right now.