Jul 25, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Carl Nicks (77) and center Jeremy Zuttah (76) practice during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Left guard Carl Nicks has been battling a MRSA infection, or Staph infection, recently. The left foot infection followed season-ending surgery he had on his big toe in November of last season. He recently practiced three days in Foxborough but has yet to appear in a preseason game.

The Buccaneers are still hopeful however that Nicks will be available for week 1 of the regular season, September 8th.

“I think there’s too much time still before we can (rule Nicks out),” head coach Greg Schiano said, via Tampa Bay Times.

RT @mortreport: Buccaneers confirm Carl Nicks and Lawrence Tynes were afflcted with MRSA infections. More on NFL Insiders, 3 ET, ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2013

Earlier ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated that Carl Nicks could miss about a month.

@AdamSchefter said in ESPN’s NFL Insiders G Carl Nicks ‘could miss about a month, based on what I’m being told,” with the foot infection.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 21, 2013

Conflicting reports could mean that the opening game is more at 50/50 odds for Nicks. Even if he plays you’d have to believe he’d be less than 100%.