Troy Hill: Everything you need to know

Hill (foot), who is on IR, has been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card matchup against Washington. Hill landed on IR in early December due to a foot injury. He had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday but isn't ready to return to game action. Hill played a meaningful role in Carolina's secondary early in the campaign, but he hasn't logged a defensive snap -- largely due to injuries -- since joining the Buccaneers in mid-November.

Hill (foot) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The veteran cornerback will now be able to practice with the team and is eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster before Sunday's wild-card game against the Commanders. If he doesn't garner active status versus Washington, Hill would still be eligible to return to action anytime over the next 21 days, if the Buccaneers remain successful in the playoffs.

Hill (heel) was added to Thursday's injury report, getting in a limited practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are rarely a good sign, but Friday's participation level and game status will reveal more. Hill is expected to handle nickel corner duties in Carolina this season in between projected outside corners Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson.