Report: Buccaneers Hoping Injured Antonio Brown Will Return

Veteran wide receiver Antonio Brown is out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' game vs. the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship, a knee injury cited as the reason.

But he may not have played his last game in Tampa Bay. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Buccaneers want Brown back next season.

That makes sense, as Brown emerged as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets this season after a year away from the game. And since Brady, 43, is expected to return, it's safe to say he will want Brown by his side.

Brown appeared in eight games this season, recording 45 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns. He has compiled three receptions and a TD during the Buccaneers' first two playoff wins.

"While Brown's presence on a loaded Bucs receiving corps was an embarrassment of riches on paper, nagging injuries to Chris Goodwin and Mike Evansthis season have deemed A.B. a necessary commodity," wrote Michael Baca of NFL.com. "Godwin, along with Brown, are set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason."