Update: Johnthan Banks returned in the second half and remains with the first-team defense.
Johnthan Banks injury: Buccaneers CB returns in second half
Rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks was returned after leaving with a hip injury.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks left Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers with a hip injury, and is listed as "probable" to return.
Banks went to the sideline with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, and it was later announced that he went to the locker room for further evaluation.
The Buccaneers can't afford to be without a defensive back in Thursday night's game. Safety Dashon Goldson was ruled inactive due to a lingering knee injury, leaving cornerback Darrelle Revis to cover veteran receiver Steve Smith without the help of safety support.
It remains to be seen if Banks is able to return as expected, but the defense will turn to second-year Leonard Johnson in his absence. He has totaled 28 tackles and one forced fumble in 2013, starting five games for Tampa Bay this season before Banks took over the starting job across from Revis.
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