Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wide Receiver #17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wide Receiver #17
Sterling Shepard Sterling Shepard
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Sterling Shepard News RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Cleared To Play, Will Be Low-Upside Fantasy Flex

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for wild-card weekend. Shepard was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but will be active on Sunday evening to face the visiting Washington Commanders. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher will be looking for a better performance after catching one of his two targets for 11 yards in the Week 18 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Although the Bucs had one of the best passing offenses in the league in 2024, Shepard has struggled to maintain any kind of fantasy value with limited targets on a weekly basis. He'll continue to serve as the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him minimal upside as a flex play in postseason leagues. Shepard's only touchdown of the year came back on Oct. 3.

Jan 10, 2025 6:16 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Limited On Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot/knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Shepard was listed on the practice report for a hamstring injury last week so his presence with a new injury this week is slightly worrisome for Bucs fans. Shepard has had a nice season for the Bucs. He has operated primarily as the No. 3 wide receiver due to injuries to both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (finger) for much of the season. McMillan and Mike Evans (rest) are currently the top two options in this passing offense. However, Shepard plays an important role as a chain mover when called upon. He recorded 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He has been solid all around for a Buccaneers team with a legitimate shot at making a playoff run this season. His status will need to be monitored heading into the weekend. The Bucs will need all the help they can get against a young and hungry Washington Commanders team on Sunday night.

Jan 8, 2025 6:55 PM EST



Sterling Shepard Active Against Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable. The veteran receiver has been productive through 13 games in a depth role this season, catching 31 passes for 323 yards and one touchdown. He has served as a reliable target for Baker Mayfield, especially after Chris Godwin (ankle) suffered a season-ending injury. With that said, Shepard is off the fantasy radar as long as he remains behind Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart.

Jan 5, 2025 11:55 AM EST


Sterling Shepard Considered Questionable For Week 18

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in a must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Shepard was inactive for the team's Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but is hoping to return to help the Bucs secure a playoff berth and the NFC South title. If he does return, he'll return to his role as the WR3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him little fantasy upside. Despite another phenomenal season from quarterback Baker Mayfield and the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin (ankle), Shepard has failed to produce consistently for fantasy managers, catching a total of 31 passes on 49 targets for 323 yards and only one score. If he's active, consider him a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR4/5 against the Saints.

Jan 3, 2025 7:18 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Stays Limited In Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Shepard missed the Week 17 victory over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but will likely need to return to a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable designation going into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. If the 31-year-old veteran gets the green light to play in a must-win game this weekend for the Bucs, he'll return to his WR3 duties in Tampa's offense behind Mike Evans and emerging rookie Jalen McMillan, leaving him little fantasy upside in the final regular-season game. In his first year with the Bucs, Shepard has scored only once (back on Oct. 3), has not gone over five catches in a game and has just one game with 60-plus receiving yards despite the team's success through the air in 2024.

Jan 3, 2025 10:54 AM EST



Sterling Shepard Remains Limited On Thursday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This marks two days in a row that Shepard has been limited after missing last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. There is a decent chance that Shepard returns this weekend, but his fantasy outlook is bleak. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan has taken a major step forward over the last few weeks. Both McMillan and Mike Evans figure to be the focal point in the receiving game going forward. The absence of Shepard could mean more snaps for Trey Palmer, but he hasn't done anything noteworthy lately.

Jan 2, 2025 9:38 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Limited On Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Shepard did not play in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers due to foot and hamstring injuries, but a limited session on Wednesday means he could be on track to return in Week 18 in a must-win game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The 31-year-old could be removed from the final injury report entirely by Friday if he's able to upgrade to a full practice. If Shepard returns to face the Saints, he'll be a touchdown-dependent WR4/5, at best, for fantasy managers. Due to the recent resurgence of rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, Shepard is Tampa's clear WR3 behind McMillan and veteran Mike Evans when he's healthy. Shepard has been outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game in 2024.

Jan 1, 2025 5:38 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Ruled Out In Week 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot, hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Shepard exited last week's contest due to a hamstring injury. In addition, he has been dealing with a lingering foot issue. The Buccaneers need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, so look for Baker Mayfield to lean on his wide receivers Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Ryan Miller, and Trey Palmer in the passing game. McMillan should be the biggest beneficiary of Shepard missing the game. The Buccaneers are 8.5-point favorites at home versus the Carolina Panthers, and game flow may play in favor of running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White.

Dec 27, 2024 12:52 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Misses Practice Again On Thursday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot, hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Shepard is now in danger of sitting out the Week 17 contest against the division-rival Carolina Panthers this Sunday. He will likely need to return to the practice field on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. Tight end Cade Otton (knee) also hasn't practiced this week and is on track to miss a second straight game. Shepard injured his hamstring in the Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old missing this weekend's game would mean that Ryan Miller and Trey Palmer would compete for WR3 duties behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan. When healthy, Shepard has been a hard sell as a WR4/5, even in deep fantasy leagues. He's scored just once on the year and has two catches for 36 yards in the last two games.

Dec 26, 2024 7:42 PM EST


Sterling Shepard's Night Ends Early With Hamstring Injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) injured his hamstring in the Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 and was ruled out. It was a frustrating night for anyone that used Shepard in their starting fantasy lineups in deeper leagues, as he ends up finishing the contest with only one reception on three targets for 20 yards. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher injured his hamstring during a run in the third quarter. If he is unable to play in Week 17 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers in a good matchup, Trey Palmer would most likely serve as Tampa's No. 3 wideout behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan. Shepard came into the Week 16 game on Sunday night outside of the top 50 receivers in half-PPR points scored per game this year, so he hasn't been much more than a bye-week streamer, even with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season.

Dec 22, 2024 11:25 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Has Shaky Flex Value

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) has been cleared ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Shepard didn't practice on Wednesday and got in two limited sessions after that, but apparently that was enough to clear Shepard for this weekend. The veteran wideout posted a dud last week. Shepard hauled in his lone target for 16 yards in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie wideout Jalen McMillan has proven himself to be a viable option over the last two weeks. McMillan is likely going to take away targets from Shepard, which is going to make the veteran wideout a risky play for Week 16. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better option than a wideout who is probably going to be third or fourth in the pecking order.

Dec 20, 2024 5:38 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Returns To A Limited Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Meanwhile, receiver Trey Palmer (illness) sat out of practice on Thursday due to an illness. Shepard didn't practice for the first time last week until Friday but still played in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and caught his only target for 16 yards. The 31-year-old hasn't been as intriguing as a flex play in fantasy with Mike Evans healthy, but Shepard could see more targets come his way this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night if tight end Cade Otton (knee) is unable to play. Even if Otton is out, Shepard will be an uninspiring WR4/5 in deeper leagues with a lot on the line in Week 16. Shepard has only scored one TD this year, and it came all the way back on Oct. 3. He also hasn't had more than five catches or 63 yards in a game in 2024.

Dec 19, 2024 6:31 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Doesn't Participate In Practice Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. As Week 16 prep begins, the Buccaneers are without their No. 3 receiver. Any sort of injury should raise concern for fantasy managers, especially with the fantasy playoffs in full swing. However, it's too early to hit the panic button. Shepard still has two more opportunities to log a limited or full practice when the Buccaneers take the field on Thursday and Friday. If his participation status improves and he manages to play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, Shepard would rank as a low-end WR4 for fantasy purposes.

Dec 19, 2024 12:54 AM EST


Sterling Shepard Suiting Up In Week 15

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed two practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. The veteran receiver had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he would be able to play. Shepard has been productive lately, catching 13 of 20 targets for 121 yards over his last three games. He'll continue to operate as the Buccaneers' No. 3 receiver and only has fantasy relevance in deep leagues.

Dec 15, 2024 3:01 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Likely To Play Vs. Chargers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Adam Schefter. The veteran has been a decent fill-in with wide receiver Chris Godwin out for the season, logging 13 catches in the past three games. Even though the Bucs received good news on Shepard, he's not likely to be a strong fantasy option in the matchup against L.A. Managers should reserve Shepard only for formats with more than two flex spots.

Dec 15, 2024 7:32 AM EST


Sterling Shepard Questionable To Face Bolts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is officially questionable to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The veteran had missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been a steady offensive contributor in his age-31 season, catching 29 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown over 11 games. He has been particularly productive lately with at least four catches in each of his last three contests. Although he's a veteran pass-catcher in a productive offense, Shepard will be tough to trust in fantasy football if he plays this week. Not only does he rank 83rd among wide receivers in total fantasy points this year, but he's going up against a strong Chargers defense that has allowed fifth-fewest receptions to the position.

Dec 14, 2024 9:32 AM EST


Sterling Shepard Missing Another Practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Shepard's availability for the Week 15 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday is now firmly up in the air. Top wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) has also yet to practice this week, so Tampa's receiving group could be noticeably thin this weekend against a strong Chargers defense. Evans missed two practices last week before ultimately playing, though, so we're a bit less concerned about his availability. The 31-year-old Shepard will need to practice on Friday to have a shot at suiting up on Sunday. Although he hasn't been on the field all that much in recent weeks, Shepard has remain involved, catching 13 passes for 121 yards. If he is unable to get the green light to play, rookie Jalen McMillan, who scored twice last week, would be an enticing flex option for fantasy managers.

Dec 12, 2024 12:54 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Doesn't Practice Wednesday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) didn't participate during Wednesday's practice session. This is an interesting development as Shepard appeared to be fine during Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers will need to monitor Shepard's status throughout the week. If active, Shepard should be considered a low-end flex option for this week's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. If he sits, Jalen McMillan would likely see more targets coming his way.

Dec 11, 2024 6:43 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Finishes With Four Receptions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has seen his role increase in the offense over the last three games. On Sunday, Shepard hauled in four of his six targets for 63 yards in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks the third game in a row that Shepard has finished with at least four receptions. The 31-year-old has done a nice job when called upon, but isn't offering a ton of fantasy value right now. Shepard should continue to be treated as a flex option heading into next week's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Shepard has shown that he is capable of at least a handful of catches each week.

Dec 8, 2024 6:55 PM EST


Sterling Shepard Has Some Flex Appeal For Week 14

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has surprisingly seen significant involvement in the offense over the last few weeks. In fact, Shepard has seen seven targets in each of the last two games. He has hauled in nine of those targets, but only has 58 receiving yards to show for it. That being said, Shepard isn't an ideal fantasy option ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bucs have shown a willingness to get Shepard involved, but that doesn't guarantee he'll deliver on the field. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Shepard a low-end flex option for Week 14.

Dec 6, 2024 8:41 PM EST