Two sources said in the past week that Tampa Bay guard Carl Nicks is still dealing with pain in his foot in the aftermath of dealing with surgery and then a recurring bout with MRSA. As a result, there is some doubt about whether Nicks will be able to play next season or ever again. That may lead to the Buccaneers cutting the former high-priced free agent acquisition this offseason.

Nicks signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract in 2012, but was hurt after seven games. He had surgery on his foot after that, then suffered an infection early in training camp. Nicks eventually played in two games before the infection returned.

Nicks is due a base salary of $7 million this season. With the change in coach to Lovie Smith, there is a chance that Nicks could be viewed as far more expendable.

“Carl is trying to deal with the pain and play again, but we’ll see if he can get through it,” one of the sources said.

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