The Buccaneers designated Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen to return from injured reserve before practice on Wednesday.

Jensen sustained a left knee injury during a training camp practice on July 29 and was placed on injured reserve Sept. 1. He missed 15 regular-season games but didn’t require surgery.

Jensen, 31, is eligible to return to the 53-man roster for the Buccaneers (7-8) as soon as Sunday’s game against the visiting Carolina Panthers (6-9). Tampa Bay can clinch a playoff berth with a victory this week.

“I know he’s been very vigilant with his rehab,” quarterback Tom Brady said Monday on his Let’s Go! podcast. “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