Gerald McCoy Injury: Updates on Buccaneers DT's Hand and Return

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy injured his left hand against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12 and underwent a procedure on it. However, he's ready to return after missing one game.

Continue for updates.

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McCoy Active for Week 14

Sunday, Dec. 13

The team announced McCoy was available to play vs. the New Orleans Saints.

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Latest on McCoy's Practice Status 

Thursday, Dec. 10

The Buccaneers announced that McCoy was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

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How McCoy's Presence Impacts Buccaneers

McCoy, 27, has played through a shoulder injury for much of the year but has still posted 24 tackles and seven sacks for the 6-6 Bucs.

McCoy's career got off to a rough start as he battled injuries and inconsistency in 2010 and 2011. The former No. 3 overall pick has since turned into one of the NFL's best defensive linemen, anchoring the Buccaneers defense with a team-leading 18 sacks the past two seasons. 

Pro Football Focus ranked McCoy as the NFL's 34th-best player last season, regardless of position, and graded him as the best pass-rushing defensive tackle. 

Having an interior defensive lineman who is capable of creating pressure for himself only makes everyone around him better. McCoy is a special, unique talent that Tampa Bay needs if it wants to compete for an NFC South title. 

The Buccaneers are building around a young offensive core led by quarterback Jameis Winston, so their defense will have to help out in any way possible. McCoy makes the engine run and will be key to the team taking the next step forward.