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How Will Loss of Antonio Brown for NFC Championship Game Affect Buccaneers?

NFL Rumors: Buccaneers Interested in Bringing Back Antonio Brown Next Season

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Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown will not play in Sunday's NFC championship game against the Packers as he deals with a knee injury. However, as the offseason nears, Tampa Bay is interested in bringing the receiver back next season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Brown reached a one-year agreement with the Buccaneers in late October and joined the team in Week 9. Last Sunday against the Saints, Brown played just 27 snaps because of the knee injury.

The seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver led the Buccaneers in receiving targets over the course of the final five weeks of the regular season. On the year, he has recorded 45 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns.

Brown was suspended for the first eight games of the 2020–21 NFL season, which was issued this summer after multiple violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Antonio Brown Timeline: The Path From the Patriots to the Buccaneers

Kickoff for Sunday's NFC championship vs. the Packers is set for 3:05 p.m. ET.

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NFL:

  • Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi set to become Chargers' new offensive coordinator. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
  • Super Bowl participants will not be allowed to arrive in Tampa any earlier than the Friday before Super Bowl LV. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
  • Colts' defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon will be the Eagles' new defensive coordinator. (Tom Pelissero & Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
  • Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins is expected to speak with the Eagles today about their vacant offensive coordinator position. (Mike Klis, 9News)
  • The Eagles are interviewing Chargers offensive coordinator Shane Steichen about their vacant offensive coordinator role. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
  • Chiefs running back Clyde-Edwards Helaire is expected to play on Sunday vs. the Bills, while running back Le'Veon Bell is expected to be out. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is a game-time decision. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
  • Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have begun assembling coaching staffs with the idea that they are prime candidates for the Houston Texans’ head coach job. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
  • The Texans' head coaching hire is not expected to change Deshaun Watson's thinking about wanting a trade. (Chris Mortensen, ESPN)
  • Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley has asked out of his contract with the team and is looking to explore other options. (John Clark, NBC Sports Philadelphia)
  • The Lions are expected to add former Browns general manager John Dorsey a a senior personnel executive. (Albert Breer, The MMQB)
  • The Chargers are hiring Broncos defensive backs coach Renaldo Hill to be their new defensive coordinator. (Albert Breer, The MMQB)
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