The Buccaneers are packing up for Florham Park with a long injury list, but Todd Bowles says everyone is expected to make the trip to New York for the joint practice with the Jets and the preseason game that follows later in the week.
Some of Tampa Bay’s absences could be short-term. Others look more complicated. And a couple are tied to bigger questions than just getting back on the practice field.
Tristan Wirfs is one of the names to watch. Bowles said the tackle hurt his hamstring during a conditioning test, and while Wirfs has been spotted in and out of practice, he still hasn’t taken part.
He has recently been wearing his jersey while observing drills with the team, which at least suggests he’s around the action. Bowles hinted Wirfs could potentially get some reps during the joint work with the Jets, though the intensity of those sessions makes that feel unlikely.
Still, the signs point to a return that may not be too far off.
Vita Vea’s situation has two layers to it. Bowles said the defensive tackle hurt his back in that same conditioning test and hasn’t practiced, with Vea mostly watching the defensive line work in his practice jersey.
General manager Jason Licht told reporters the team doesn’t want to turn "a minor thing into a major thing." But the bigger issue may be contractual.
Vea wants an extension and has requested a trade, and neither side appears ready to move. Until that changes, he’s likely to remain on the sidelines.
There’s also no clear timetable for some of the other injured players. Tez Johnson has been one of camp’s brighter performers, but he strained his groin during last Tuesday’s indoor practice, so the Buccaneers are expected to be careful with him.
David Sills also got hurt in that Tuesday night practice, and he was seen with a wrap around his knee. He hasn’t practiced since, and the severity of the injury isn’t known as the team heads north.
Billy Schrauth is dealing with a knee issue of his own. The guard picked up the injury sometime during last week’s camp work and was wearing a brace. Bowles said he’s "sore" and "banged up" that knee and would "miss a few days" - beyond that, Tampa Bay hasn’t offered much more on the fifth-round pick’s recovery.
Jalen McMillan is at least trending in the right direction. Bowles said he "banged knees" with another player, which initially kept him out for a few days, but he was back doing individual drills during Sunday’s training camp session. The timeline from there is still unclear, but getting back into individual work is a step forward.
Kameron Johnson was not on the field Sunday, and the team hasn’t said what injury he’s dealing with or how long it might keep him out. Given his injury history in Tampa Bay, any extended absence could put his roster spot in jeopardy.
Then there’s the injury that has drawn the most buzz from Buccaneers fans: cornerback Morrison. He hurt his hamstring after the first day of OTAs and has yet to get into team drills.
He has taken part in some individual work during camp, but for the most part he has been limited to watching from the side when he’s out there at all. Bowles originally suggested Morrison could be back soon after the first week of camp, but that tone has shifted.
Asked about him on Sunday, Bowles simply called it the "same as usual."
That lack of movement matters. Morrison needs to get on the field, because there are other defensive backs in camp who have stood out and could push for his spot if he stays stuck on the sideline.
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