Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen was activated from injured reserve and could make his first appearance of the season in the NFC Wild Card game Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

Jensen sustained a left knee injury during a training camp practice on July 29 and was placed on injured reserve Sept. 1. He didn’t require surgery.

On Friday he was a full practice participant, lined up as a starter and has worked extensively with quarterback Tom Brady.

Jensen, 31, did not play in the regular season but was eligible for the final two regular-season games. Brady hinted he was not likely to return until the postseason.

“I know he’s been very vigilant with his rehab,” Brady said last month. “I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows right now. I know he’s a lot closer and I know he’s itching to be out there. I see him every day, I try to encourage him every day.”

Jensen has started all 65 regular-season games and six postseason contests since signing with Tampa Bay prior to the 2018 season. The 2021 Pro Bowl selection has played 100 games (90 starts) for the Bucs and Baltimore Ravens (2014-17), who drafted him in the sixth round in 2013.

–Field Level Media