31 Jordan Whitehead FS

Whitehead posted eight tackles (four solo) in the Buccaneers' 42-28 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Whitehead has been productive from an IDP standpoint as the starting free safety, and Sunday's tackle haul served as a career high for the rookie. The 21-year-old is up to 31 stops (23 solo) on the season over six games, a solid average that should continue to rise as he gains more experience in interim coordinator Mark Duffner's scheme.

Whitehead (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 7 tilt against the Browns.

The rookie free safety's active status was expected following a full Friday practice, but this report confirms his availability. Playing in his first game under new defensive coordinator Mark Duffner, Whitehead will look to help contain rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield and a talented pass-catching group that includes wideout Jarvis Landry and tight end David Njoku.

Whitehead (hamstring) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Whitehead logged his first full participation in practice since sustaining a hamstring injury during Tampa's loss to the Falcons in Week 6, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns. If Whitehead is unable to go Week 7, expect Andrew Adams to step into the starting lineup.

Whitehead (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Carmen Vitali of the team's official site reports.

The rookie safety was able to log 67 snaps in a Week 6 loss to the Falcons after being listed as questionable with his hamstring issue, but he was right back to limited participation Wednesday. The development is likely just an example of a cautious approach by the team, who can ill afford to lose Whitehead from an already short-handed secondary. Whitehead's status should be updated with Thursday's practice report.

Whitehead compiled six tackles (four solo) in the Buccaneers' 34-29 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Whitehead was thrown right back into the fire coming off a one-game absence due to a hamstring injury, tying with Lavonte David and Ryan Smith for second on the team in tackles. The rookie now has three straight games with four solo stops, and he remains the starting free safety for the time being in the wake of Chris Conte's season-ending knee injury. With the amount of completions the Bucs secondary is typically allowing, Whitehead will likely have ample opportunity to keep his tackle numbers elevated, along with plenty of chances to make plays on the ball in the air.