Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston needs to keep his cool

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is an emotional player, but the Bucs don't want his fire directed at officials.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said Winston needs to do a better job of keeping his cool between snaps as the leader of the offense.

"The thing I talked to Jameis about is Jameis is the guy that should be keeping his cool no matter what happens on the field,'' Koetter said. "I thought there were a few times that we had more than just one player, more than just Jameis too worried about the officials and not worried enough about playing or too worried about talking to the opponents and not worrying about playing. None of that is going to help us win."

--Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy revealed he has played through a torn right rotator cuff and broken left hand to lead his team in sacks.

"I was quoted as saying this has been my toughest year mentally,'' McCoy said. "I've been playing all year with a torn rotator cuff. I'm not a guy to make excuses. When people say, 'I'm not doing this and I'm not doing that,' I never attacked anyone. I just said I need to be better. I love this team and I love this game and anything it takes to be out there, I'm going to do it. That's just me.''

--Bucs linebacker Lavonte David was among the biggest Pro Bowl snubs again this year, earning mention only as a first alternate.

David was an All Pro in 2013 and generally considered one of the best linebackers in the game, but he has never earned a spot on the Pro Bowl team in part because of a flaw in the balloting system.

The Patriots' Jamie Collins and the Panthers' Thomas Davis are the only true 4-3 outside linebackers named to the Pro Bowl team. The Chiefs' Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, along with the Broncos' Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, would play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme because they are primarily edge pass rushers. But because they play in 3-4 schemes, they are considered outside linebackers for ballot purposes and were named to the Pro Bowl.

His teammate, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who is making his fourth straight trip to the NFL all-star game in Hawaii, can't take it anymore.

"I got to speak up about something. I think it's terrible what's happening to Lavonte right now,'' McCoy said. "He's easily the best at what he does. He's had a million tackles, three picks, one for a touchdown, forced fumbles, two sacks -- I mean, he's been the most dominant at his position probably since 2013. It's got to stop. It's very unfair what's happening to him and seriously, if I could trade places with him, I would. He more than deserves to be in the Pro Bowl. I believe he will be an All Pro. But what's happening to him is unfair.''

McCoy said he is not taking anything away from the players who made the team this season, he just believes it should've been at another position.

"Everybody works hard to get where they're at, but the system is flawed, man,'' McCoy said.

--Guard Logan Mankins has been to six Pro Bowls. He could make it seven, having been named a first alternate Tuesday. At 32, Mankins is grateful to be recognized for his play.

"It's always good to be recognized for having a good season and that always means a lot,'' Mankins said. "At this point, in my career, I guess it feels pretty good to know you've still got it, guys still respect the way you play and think you're a good player, still.''

--Mankins (knee) did not practice Wednesday but said he hopes to recover in a few days and play in Sunday's game against the Bears.

--Defensive end Kourtnei Brown (groin) did not practice Wednesday and may miss Sunday's game against the Bears.

--Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (knee), who missed the last two games, did not practice Wednesday and it's unlikely he will play Sunday against the Bears.

--Defensive tackle Akeem Spence (ankle), who was forced to leave the Saints game, did not practice Wednesday and it's unlikely he will play Sunday.

--Safety Chris Conte (knee), who was forced to leave the game last Thursday at St. Louis, had limited participation in practice.

--Defensive end George Johnson (calf) had full participation in practice Wednesday.