Nicks reached a $3 million injury settlement with the Buccaneers, ESPN reports.

Nicks was recently released by Tampa Bay after both parties mutually agreed to part ways in light of Nicks' frustrating complications lingering from the MRSA infection that struck him in 2013. The former All-Pro guard is now expected to take time off from football in hopes of resuming his playing career down the road.

Buccaneers released OG Carl Nicks.

Per FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the sides reached an "amicable settlement," which probably best translates as an injury settlement. Nicks is dealing with a career-threatening toe injury. Still only 29 years old, his NFL future is in serious doubt, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday Nicks has decided to "step away from the game," though he has not yet formally retired. Nicks was owed a $7 million base salary. The Bucs now have the weakest depth chart at offensive guard in football, with Oniel Cousins, Patrick Omameh, Jamon Meredith, and rookie Kadeem Edwards competing for two starting spots. It's a major concern for the efficiency of their run game.

The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) has been cleared to play.

It appears Nicks will be ready for the start of training camp this week and will avoid the active/PUP list. While Nicks' toe is far from a guarantee to hold up, his return is a big boost for Doug Martin and Tampa Bay's entire offense. His last healthy season (2011), Nicks was PFF's No. 2 overall guard, excelling in both the run and pass games for the Saints. The Bucs are holding an open competition at right guard between Patrick Omameh and Oniel Cousins.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) is a candidate for the active/PUP list.

Nicks couldn't run or cut during OTAs, and remains questionable to be cleared when the Bucs report to training camp next week. Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds "wouldn't be surprised" if Nicks opens 2014 on the reserve/PUP list, costing him at least the first six games. Nicks has been dealing with toe issues the last two seasons and is far from a guarantee to be ready for Week 1.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) still could not run or cut as of June minicamp.

Both Nicks and coach Lovie Smith have promised Nicks will be ready for training camp, but beat writers covering the team are more skeptical. "It all sounds shaky," writes ESPN Bucs reporter Pat Yasinskas, "and you have to wonder if Nicks really can make it back and if he'll be the same player." If Nicks isn't ready, the Bucs will hold two open competitions at each of their guard spots.

Bucs coach Lovie Smith expects LG Carl Nicks (toe) to be ready for training camp.

Nicks has been sitting out OTAs, but has apparently passed his physical. Now 29, Nicks has been dealing with toe issues for the better part of two seasons. Although he'll be ready for camp, there's no guarantee he'll end up the Bucs' Week 1 left guard.

Bucs G Carl Nicks (toe) is not participating at this week's minicamp.

Nicks is in attendance but still can't get on the field. His status for the start of training camp and even the season is in serious doubt. The Bucs will continue to trot out Oniel Cousins and Jamon Meredith at guard for the time being.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) is not participating in OTAs.

Nicks wasn't even present at Tuesday's opening session. He's trying to return from a toe issue that he'll have to deal with for the remainder of his career. Nicks won't take part in OTAs or minicamp but is expected back for training camp. In his absence, Patrick Omameh took the first-team reps at left guard while veteran Oniel Cousins worked at right guard. Jamon Meredith is also in the mix.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks has been told he'll have pain in his toe for the rest of his life.

Nicks has nerve damage in the toe, affecting the strength and feeling in his foot. At this point, anything the Bucs get from him should be considered a bonus. The two-time Pro Bowler has played in just nine games since signing a five-year, $47.5 million contract with Tampa in March 2012.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (toe) will not participate in minicamp but hopes to be ready for training camp.

There was some initial optimism that Nicks was going to be ready for OTAs, but that's not going to happen. He's been battling ongoing toe issues the past couple years and may have nerve damage. The Bucs could look at guards in the early parts of next month's draft. Jamon Meredith is currently penciled in at right guard.

The Bucs are "optimistic" LG Carl Nicks (toe) will be ready for OTAs.

"He's moving along pretty good," GM Jason Licht said Monday. "So far, we've been pleased with his progression." There have been whispers that Nicks' career is in danger, but it's good news there's optimism so early in the offseason. The Bucs likely don't know what to expect before Nicks resumes practicing, but the sooner he gets back on the practice field, the better.

Bucs coach Lovie Smith acknowledged at the Combine that LG Carl Nicks' (left foot) 2014 availability is uncertain.

Nicks has resumed working out, but there have been whispers his foot injury is career threatening. "I think that's still up in the air. He's making progress," said Smith. "But he's not running full speed or anything like that. We hope so. I mean, Carl is a heck of a football player." The Bucs would save $2.3 million in cap space by cutting Nicks, albeit while absorbing $7.1 million in dead money.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (left foot) is already working out daily at the team facility in preparation for 2014.

The National Football Post reported last month that Nicks had a career-threatening foot injury and could be cut, but new coach Lovie Smith sounds open to a return. "I've had a chance to talk with Carl and I'll just say he's excited about the coming season and his rehab is going well," said Smith. "We have to get him back out on the football field and that's what we're trying to do."

The National Football Post's Jason Cole reports the Bucs could release LG Carl Nicks.

Nicks has played in nine games since signing a five-year, $47.5 million deal with Tampa Bay prior to the 2012 season. He's been battling ongoing toe issues ever since and may not play again due to possible nerve damage. Nicks is highly questionable for OTAs and even training camp.

Sources tell FOX Sports that Carl Nicks (foot) has received "mixed messages" on whether he'll be able to resume his career.

Nicks' current issues are not related to the MRSA infection he dealt with over the summer. The problem is potential nerve damage that has affected his ability to have strength and feeling in his foot. Nicks, a two-time Pro Bowler, signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Bucs in March of 2012.

Bucs LB Carl Nicks (toe, MRSA) will miss the final two games of the season.

Not a surprise, but coach Greg Schiano confirmed the news Friday. Nicks underwent surgery to clean out the infection in his toe back in mid-October and hasn't played since Week 4. Nicks has started just 9-of-32 games since signing a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the Bucs two offseasons ago.

SportsTalkFlorida.com reports Bucs LG Carl Nicks (MRSA) is undergoing surgery Tuesday to "to clean out the infection in his toe."

If true, it would shelve Nicks indefinitely. He can be safely ruled out for Week 7. The Bucs' nightmare season just keeps getting worse. It's hard to see coach Greg Schiano coaching in Tampa beyond 2013.

Bucs LG Carl Nicks (staph infection) is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles.

The recurrence of Nicks' MRSA issue is scary. Gabe Carimi will be forced to fill in, which is a downgrade for Doug Martin and the Bucs running game. Carimi played every snap at left guard in Weeks 1 and 2, grading out negatively in both run and pass blocking.

The Bucs confirmed Thursday that LG Carl Nicks has suffered a reoccurrence of the MRSA staph infection in his left foot.

The Bucs haven't commented on Nicks' Sunday status, but he's presumably doubtful. Staph reoccurrence is not uncommon, but it's still a major concern for the Bucs' left guard. His status will likely be updated Friday.

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports Bucs LG Carl Nicks is believed to have suffered a reoccurrence of his MRSA staph infection in his toe.

It's bad news that clouds Nicks' status for Week 6 and beyond. Nicks missed the first two games of the season with the issue, and has been shaky since returning. Gabe Carimi, who's returning from an illness of his own, should get the start in the likely event that Nicks misses Sunday's game.