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NFL roundup: Jameis Winston to start for Tampa Bay on Sunday

By Brad Weiss

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 5: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals the play during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 5, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 30-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 5: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals the play during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 5, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 30-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Jameis Winston has not played since Week 9 of the NFL season, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have him back on Sunday against the Packers.

In Week 9 of the 2017 NFL season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston aggravated an injury in his throwing shoulder. It has been the Ryan Fitzpatrick show ever since, but the team will have their starter back under center this weekend. The Buccaneers will take on the Green Bay Packers on the road in Week 13, and desperately need a win if they are to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL as of late, as they finally have their offense moving in the right direction. On Sunday, they will get one of their biggest weapons on the offensive side of the ball back, as Devonta Freeman cleared concussion protocol on Wednesday. The Falcons have been fine in Freeman’s absence, as Tevin Coleman racked up two touchdowns last weekend, but having him back will certainly help them as they push towards the playoffs.

Tom Brady was hit pretty hard in the New England Patriots win against the Miami Dolphins last weekend, and the hits have carried over into the following week. Brady was absent from practice again on Wednesday, as he continues to deal with a sore Achilles. While he has not practiced, do not expect him to miss time this weekend, as his Pats go up to Buffalo to take on the divisional rival Bills in another big AFC matchup.

Eli Manning is going to the bench, and he is being replaced by former New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith. It was a head-scratching move to say the least, and on Wednesday, the Giants legend was running plays with the scout team. Head coach Ben McAdoo is basically showing himself the door, and for Manning, he will likely be piloting a different team next season.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold lead way

The Thursday Night Football matchup will feature two NFC East teams looking to stay alive in the NFC Playoff picture. The Dallas Cowboys will play host to the Washington Redskins in a huge game for both teams, as both are coming off losses in Week 12. Dallas has not been the same team since Ezekiel Elliott was suspended a few weeks back, and the Redskins have not been able to pull out the close games all season long.