[293] Training Camp, Preseason Games, Know Your Enemy, and Injuries

Buccaneers Observer

The Buccaneers kicked off joint practices with the Dolphins today. Things got chippy quite a few times, a common occurrence in joint practices. The Bucs will face the Dolphins at home this Saturday. We probably won't see starters, but could get a peak at the offensive line prospects, as well as the new defensive line. How will the Bucs fare this season with a completely new interior offensive line? This is a big question mark as Bucs fans eagerly await news on Ryan Jensen's injury. He's a huge anchor up front, particularly when both guards are new this year. A new center would make the line vulnerable where it would hurt Brady the most: right up the middle. We have confidence in Robert Hainsey, but Ryan Jensen will be sorely missed. A glimpse of light, however: Jensen was spotted at practice with just a knee brace. Time will tell how serious the injury is. Our prediction is the Bucs won't show their cards any sooner than they have to. However, they need to name starting guards soon so the guys have time to gel together. Todd Bowles is aware of this predicament, voiced also by Donovan Smith. The unofficial depth chart shows Aaron Stinnie at left guard and Shaq Mason at right guard. They're both the most logical at those positions, but there's still a competition for the job. The NFC South is in rough shape. Unofficial depth charts show the Falcons are weak at wide receiver. The Saints show Jameis Winston as starting quarterback, with Taysom Hill gracing the top of the tight end roster. The Panthers are a mess, with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold both at the number one quarterback spot. Injuries have plagued the Bucs at training camp. However, it appears it is mostly heat related (with the exception of Ryan Jensen's injury). His replacement Robert Hainsey went down this week and was carted off the field. Not to worry: we're told it's just cramps. Mike Evans and Russell Gage also left practice for cramps. Stay hydrated, boys!

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