The Buccaneers spent Tuesday night’s training camp practice inside, and by the end of it they were dealing with two more receiver injuries.
Tez Johnson and David Sills V both left early, with Johnson dealing with an apparent groin injury and Sills appearing to favor his knee. After practice, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Johnson had tweaked his groin.
Tampa Bay’s night session came after an autograph event for fans earlier in the day, and it marked the third straight practice the team has taken indoors because of rain in the area. Sunday and Monday were moved inside because of the weather, while Tuesday had already been scheduled that way.
Bowles says they think Tez Johnson tweaked his groin running during tonight’s practice.
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Johnson’s exit stands out because he has been one of the camp’s most consistent receivers so far. He has built a connection with Baker Mayfield and also developed quick chemistry with backup Jake Browning, including a deep-ball touchdown early in camp.
That production has mattered even more with Ted Hurst added to the receiver room and Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan working their way back. Under new offensive coordinator and play caller Zac Robinson, Johnson has been trying to show he belongs in the mix.
On Sunday, Johnson talked about the jump he feels going into year two.
“I think my confidence is just higher than last year,” Johnson said. “Last year, I was just trying to feel it out and I got kind of thrown in the fire a little earlier than what I expected.
[I’m] coming back with the confidence. Having that playing time from last year, it just gave me the confidence that I needed.
“[The] only time I really think [the game] fast is when I’m thinking too much. But [when] I’m not thinking it’s pretty much slow and it’s what I do.”
Sills is in a different spot, fighting for one of the final receiver jobs on the 53-man roster after signing with Tampa Bay this offseason. He played under Robinson in Atlanta last year, which gives him a built-in advantage, and he flashed on Sunday with three touchdowns in practice. At 6-foot-3, he and the 6-foot-4 Hurst give the Bucs some size in a receiver group that already has a lot of competition.
The injuries also come at a time when Tampa Bay is being especially careful with its wideouts. Jalen McMillan has missed the last two practices with a knee injury, and Bowles said Tuesday night that McMillan banged his knee in practice recently and the team is being cautious with him.
Emeka Egbuka sat out Monday before returning Tuesday, with Bowles describing both players as sore. Veteran Chris Godwin Jr., who is 30, also has scheduled maintenance days built into his workload.
That opens the door for others to make noise. Hurst is the obvious name to watch, but Eric Rivers could also benefit from the extra reps. Kameron Johnson, last year’s punt returner, has a chance to do more in the passing game, and undrafted rookie Dean Patterson IV from nearby Pasco County caught a touchdown Tuesday night.
For now, the Bucs can afford to be patient. It’s training camp, and the priority is keeping key players healthy so they’re ready for Week 1 at Cincinnati.
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