Here is what you need to know about what happened at Buccaneers training camp on Wednesday, August 1:
BUCS INJURIES
• After having the day off on Tuesday, several Buccaneers returned to practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Derrick Roberson, who started training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, participated, as did defensive tackle Gary Gibson and cornerback Eric Wright, who only missed Monday’s workout with a minor injury. Left tackle Donald Penn (left calf), wide receiver Arrelious Benn (knee), E.J. Biggers (foot) and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (Achilles) continue to miss practice.
• There were no new injuries during Wednesday’s practice that PewterReport.com observed.
TAMPA BAY’S ROSTER MOVES
• There were no other roster moves by the Buccaneers on Wednesday. The team had an extra roster spot available for Roberson’s return off the PUP list.
BUCS DEPTH CHART NEWS
• Gibson returned to practice on Wednesday, but Roy Miller remained the starter, while Frank Okam was the backup at nose tackle.
• Roberson returned to practice, but was getting reserve cornerback snaps along with Myron Lewis, Leonard Johnson and other backup players.
• The first-team reps at running back continued to be split by Martin and LeGarrette Blount on Wednesday. On passing plays, Martin was used more in the lineup than Blount was, but the veteran rusher still saw a significant amount of action.
THE BIG NEWS AT ONE BUC PLACE
• The Bucs returned to practice from a day off on Tuesday and practiced some situational football on Wednesday in full pads. The Bucs used the final period of practice to practice the two-minute drill. With 1:38 left and the offense trailing 20-14, Josh Freeman and the first-teamers had to drive 65 yards for the game-winning score.
Rookie Doug Martin started things off with a first down on a reception out of the backfield, followed by two great catch-and-run opportunities from tight end Dallas Clark that picked up additional first downs. Sammie Stroughter had a small gain, followed by a deep pass to Preston Parker on cornerback Myron Lewis that gave the offense the ball inside the 5-yard line with 23 seconds left. On the next play, Mike Williams beat Lewis to the back pylon and made a great catch for a touchdown.
Schiano talked about that Williams camp so far.
"I think good. I mean certainly that last play, that’s an NFL play there in the two-minute drill. So that’s what we need to be able to do. If you do it in practice, it gives you a chance to be able to do it in a game.”
• Tampa Bay was using a lot of bunch formations on offense, which the team had practiced quite a bit of during the OTAs (organized team activities) and mini-camp, but hadn’t really unveiled during training camp. The bunch set consisted of either two tight ends and a wide receiver or two wide receivers and a tight end and gave the defense a good look at how to defend against Tampa Bay’s opponents’ use of a bunch formation, too.
•The Buccaneers welcomed a special guest during Wednesday's practice, when Missouri resident and big Bucs fan, Rhonda VanSickle who is battling stage four bone and breast cancer, was able to bring her family to One Buc Place for a private tour. VanSickle was able to tour the facility and watch practice from the VIP area where general manager Mark Dominik took several minutes to sit and talk to the family. When practice was over VanSickle and her family went on the field and met players including family favorite, Josh Freeman. Tomorrow the Buccaneers will host the Special Olympics.
STANDOUT PLAYS IN TAMPA BAY
• Strongside linebacker Quincy Black continues to sniff out wide receiver screens. On Monday, Black was in perfect position to disrupt a screen pass to Vincent Jackson and drilled the big receiver for a loss as soon as he caught it. On Wednesday, Black did the same thing, immediately recognizing a wide receiver screen to Sammie Stroughter and dropping him for a loss.
• Rookie linebacker Lavonte David picked off quarterback Josh Freeman in 7-on-7 drills. David read Freeman’s eyes and stepped in front of tight end Dallas Clark for the turnover. It is believed to be Freeman’s third pick of training camp and it was by far the biggest splash play by David in camp thus far.
•Defensive lineman Gerald McCoy had an excellent practice Wednesday. In team drills McCoy was in the backfield on several plays including one in which he split the guard and center as the offense was attempting to run a stretch play to the left. McCoy has always had a quick step, and it showed often Wednesday. Schiano told the media after practice, "McCoy has elite get off," and "can be a really special player," but losing the time he has to injuries has slowed his development.
For more standout plays and more on the first day of Buccaneers training camp, read Pewter Report’s premium Pewter Insider practice reports coming later tonight on PewterReport.com.
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