Jameis Winston upgrades to throwing footballs Friday, will start in Week 15

Sunday update: Jameis Winston is active and will start.

UPDATE: Bruce Arians confirmed Winston will start in Week 15.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should have quarterback Jameis Winston available when they travel to face the Detroit Lions in Week 15. Winston suffered a hairline fracture in his thumb last week but has been making progress and was throwing footballs on Friday, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

Winston took part in practice each day this week, but it was a steady progression with limited work. He took part in drills on Wednesday, but did not throw while wearing a soft cast. On Thursday, he advanced to throwing a tennis ball. The fact that he has advanced to throwing a football on Friday suggests he’ll be fine to play on Sunday.

Fantasy football analysis: Bucs QB Jameis Winston

Winston has continued to struggle with bad decisions, but he is also putting together some of the best numbers of his career. He has thrown a career-high 23 interceptions, but his 26 touchdowns are three away from a career high and he already has a career high 4,115 passing yards. He ranks fifth in total fantasy points and seventh in fantasy points per game.

This weekend, the Bucs face a Lions defense that has given up the eighth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Winston will be without Mike Evans, but he is still finding ways to remain productive. Considering he threw for 179 yards with two touchdowns and one interception after the thumb injury, Winston is a must start in Week 15.