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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy suffered a calf strain during his team's Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos and hadn't played since then, but he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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McCoy Active vs. 49ers 

Sunday, Oct. 23

The Buccaneers announced McCoy was available against the 49ers on Sunday.

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Latest on McCoy's Practice Status

Friday, Oct. 21

The Buccaneers announced McCoy was a limited participant in practice for the third straight day on Friday.

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McCoy Is Vital to Bucs Defense

McCoy is one of the best players on Tampa Bay's roster and one of the reasons the team has playoff aspirations this year.

McCoy was a Pro Bowler in each of the last four seasons and a first-team All-Pro for the last three. His ability to explode off the snap and attack the quarterback makes him valuable up front. He tallied 9.5 sacks in 2013, 8.5 sacks in 2014, 8.5 sacks last year and two sacks through four games this year.

McCoy is also solid against the run and strong enough to occupy multiple blockers at once, which opens up holes for his teammates to exploit.