The NFL Players Association have expressed their concerns over the outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Johnthan Banks reportedly became the third player at the club to pick up the infection which has lasted since training camp after Carl Nicks and Lawrence Tynes were the first to be struck down with the illness.

The NFLPA said in a statement: "We have been involved in an ongoing review of the MRSA incidents in Tampa Bay initiated by the concerns we had about the manner in which team officials responded to these cases.

"We advised the NFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that an outside expert should be brought in to assess the situation and we are pleased with their decision to take that recommendation.

"We have also been in regular contact with the player representatives from Tampa Bay."

The Buccaneers face the Philadelphia Eagles in week six of the season.