NFL
By: Jeff Barnes
Training camp for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has had its highs and lows. The signing of Julio Jones and the return of Chris Godwin were highs. The biggest low point was the loss of Ryan Jensen to what could potentially be a season-ending injury. When Jensen went down, that left Robert Hainsey to step up and fill his shoes. When the Bucs drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they expected Hainsey to eventually compete for a starting spot in the interior of the offensive line. With Ali Marpet and Alex Cappa both gone, and Jensen’s injury, it seems that every interior spot will have a new starter this season.
Robert Hainsey was a standout at Notre Dame playing both guard and center. The Bucs decided to add him to the offensive line mix coming off their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 6-foot 4-inch lineman played in 9 games for the Bucs in 2021 but did not start in any of those games. Now, he will look to fill not only Jensen’s spot in the middle of the line but also lead the line as Jensen would. So far, he has embraced the role and has primarily gotten the 1st team reps. Hainsey has displaced position flexibility at the Reese’s Senior Bowl where he was able to show his ability to play center and guard.
It seems that Hainsey’s biggest challengers are not currently on the roster. Behind him, you have centers Nock Leverett and John Molchon. Both Leverett and Molchon are former undrafted free agents who have only combined to play in just 2 NFL games without significant game action. It would seem that the toughest competition is currently on another roster, or still on the market. Players like Matt Paradis, J.C. Tretter, Josh Andrews, and Adam Redmond to name a few are still on the market. So far, the Bucs seem intent to stick with the younger players. When the final cutdown is looming, maybe a deal is made for at least more experienced depth at the position.
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Other Training camp notes:
Mike Evans sustained a hamstring injury and is day to day. He has not returned to practice as the team is taking a cautious approach. While the injury isn’t serious, it can linger without proper rest and therapy. It is highly questionable if he plays in the first preseason game vs. Miami on 8/13.
Chris Godwin returned to practice and has been working through drills. He has not taken part in contact drills as of yet. Godwin is recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2021 season.
Antoine Winfield Jr. made the play of the day with a big interception of Blaine Gabbert as he tried to fit a deep ball between the cornerback and Winfield. Winfield beat the receiver to the spot and took the leaped in front of the outstretched hands of the receiver.
Kyle Rudolph has been adapting quickly to his new surroundings. Rudolph has been making plays in the redzone, which is a major need since Rob Gronkowski is still retired.
