"Although Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman continues to be limited in practice, his injured right shoulder showed progress Friday.

His availability for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium will be a game-time decision, coach Raheem Morris said.

Freeman hurt his shoulder on the final offensive play of Sunday's 23-17 loss at Tennessee after he bobbled a snap on fourth down. He threw lightly on Friday and backup Josh Johnson continued to take most of the reps heading into Sunday's home matchup.

"We'll take it right up to the moment of truth,'' Morris said of Freeman, who hasn't missed a start since becoming Tampa Bay's No. 1 quarterback midway through his 2009 rookie season. "Josh Freeman went out and threw the ball around a little bit today, but he's still limited. Obviously, there was progress. He threw a little bit yesterday and a little more today.''

Morris indicated he would take a cautious approach about dressing Freeman as the Bucs attempt to end a five-game losing streak.

"Obviously, you don't want to do anything that's going to hurt him,'' Morris said. "We've got very capable doctors and they'll inform me if he can do any further damage.''"