Johnthan Banks active for Bucs, Carl Nicks inactive

TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks is active for Sunday's Week 6 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but guard Carl Nicks is inactive.

Thursday, the Bucs revealed Nicks had a recurrence of the MRSA infection in his left foot, which sidelined him late in the preseason and in Tampa Bay's first two regular-season games. Meanwhile, it was reported Friday that Banks became the third player within the franchise to contract the serious staph infection resistant to some antibiotics, after Nicks and kicker Lawrence Tynes were diagnosed in August.

Saturday night, the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement that Banks was cleared to play and "does not pose a risk of transmission to other players." Banks has 10 tackles and one interception in four games. Both he and Nicks were listed as questionable after Friday's practice.

Last Friday, an infectious disease expert addressed Bucs players and coaches about the MRSA situation. The Bucs and NFLPA agreed, however, that One Buc Place remains a safe place to work.

Other Bucs inactives include cornerback Michael Adams, defensive end William Gholston, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, guard Carl Nicks, guard Patrick Omameh, defensive end Trevor Scott and wide receiver Mike Williams.

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