"Bucs QB Josh Freeman, who missed his first game in two years Sunday because of a right shoulder injury, is on track to return to practice Wednesday and is optimistic he'll play against the Jaguars next Sunday.

Freeman said the plan is to rehab for a couple days with hopes of resuming throwing in Wednesday's practice. He was limited last week to some soft throws after injuring the shoulder on the final play of a loss to the Titans on Nov. 27. Coach Raheem Morris remained hopeful Freeman would return Wednesday, but acknowledged the team will be cautious with its franchise quarterback.

"You don't want to hurt your quarterback any further," Morris said. "You want to be smart with him and figure out what he can do and how fast you can let him do it.""