Coach Greg Schiano met with the media on Wednesday, and while obviously disappointed in losing an important offensive cog like Carl Nicks, the show must go on. Schiano discussed the contingency plans to replace Nicks, the improved play of fullback Eric Lorig, along with the overall play of the Buccaneers offense.

The Bucs will finish the rest of the season without both Pro-Bowl guards after losing Davin Joseph in the preseason and Carl Nicks Tuesday to a lingering toe injury. The Bucs are used to "next man up" but there is no denying what a blow losing Nicks is to Tampa Bay. 

The Buccaneers announced on Tuesday they have placed Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks on injured reserve with a toe injury that will require surgery. The loss of Nicks is big blow to Tampa Bay's offense, which over the last three games have led the NFL in total yards and points scored.

With the Buccaneers facing the distinct possibility of traveling to Oakland without their two top cornerbacks, free agent Leonard Johnson most likely will be counted on to help fill the void. The Clearwater native played well in last Thursday's 36-17 win at Minnesota and is earning the trust of his coaches and teammates.

Bucs head coach Greg Schiano spoke with the media at One Buc Place Monday afternoon and gave an opening statement that according to league guidelines he and Eric Wright are not able to discuss the situation surrounding the Buccaneers corner back. Sunday it was reported that Wright is facing a four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, alleged to be Adderall. Schiano did however address questions directed at the game plan for the Raiders this Sunday. 

According to FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer, Eric Wright has tested positive for Adderall and is facing a four-game suspension. If the report is true, this will be the second Buccaneers CB who has tested positive for the banned substance as Aqib Talib admitted he was suspended for taking Adderall earlier this month. 

Two years ago, Mike Williams looked to be the future of the Buccaneer receiving corps. After a setback last year, many were questioning whether or not Williams had a fluke rookie season. This year, with Vincent Jackson getting the attention from opposing defenders, Williams is left to do what he does best - make catches and help his team win.

Which unheralded Bucs unit deserves a lot of credit in Thursday's big win over the Vikings? Was this a "signature win" for the Bucs under Greg Schiano? Is Doug Martin a special back or did he just have a good night? Find out what the Pewter Reporters think in the Pewter Report Roundtable.

Bucs head coach Greg Schiano spoke to the media Monday afternoon after the team's arrival back in Tampa following Thursday night's 36-17 victory over the Vikings. Schiano discusses the outstanding game by Doug Martin, the play of the offensive line, and called Pinellas County native Leonard Johnson's performance "encouraging."

Want to chat about Tampa Bay's big win at Minnesota on Thursday night? Pewter Insiders invaded the Pewter Report Chat, which takes place every Friday morning at 11:00 a.m., and asked PR's Scott Reynolds dozens of Bucs-related questions. A full transcript has been provided right here.

What has sparked Bucs RB Doug Martin's surge in production? Which Bucs' marketing slogan is coming to life? What position needs to be overhauled in 2013? Is Leonard Johnson still mad about not being drafted? Get the answers and inside scoop in the latest SR's Fab 5 column.

In the Bucs' 36-17 win over Minnesota, Tampa Bay accomplished several of the keys needed to clinch the road victory, but slightly struggled with two. The Bucs defense was able to somewhat limit the damage Percy Harvin could have inflicted and couldn’t completely shutdown Adrian Peterson - a task no one else can seem to accomplish either. 

The Bucs defense had three sacks and three takeaways against the Vikings on Thursday night. What type of grade does the defensive line get? What type of grade does Tampa Bay's secondary deserve? Find out in this Pewter Report article.

The Buccaneers offense rolled up over 400 yards of offense Thursday night at Minnesota in their 36-17 win over the Vikings. How did the each offensive unit perorm and what grade did they earn? Find out in this weekly post-game feature on PewterReport.com.

The Buccaneers showcased rookie running back Doug Martin in a huge, 36-17 win at Minnesota that snaps Tampa Bay's nine-game losing streak on the road. Martin rushed for 135 yards and a TD and had 79 yards receiving and a TD as Josh Freeman threw three touchdowns in the victory to moves the Bucs to 3-4 on the year.

Which Buccaneers players stood out in Thursday's 36-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings? What players need to rebound before Tampa Bay takes on Oakland a week from Sunday? Find out in this weekly post-game feature from PewterReport.com.

Is Bucs G.M. Mark Dominik's fortune beginning to change? How are his draft picks stacking up against others in the NFC South? Is it time to hit the panic button on Greg Schiano and his staff? Where does Schiano's early season record rank among some of the NFL's greatest coaches? Find out what Mark Cook thinks in the Pewter Confidential.

Minnesota has an arsenal of offensive talent in RB Adrian Peterson and WR Percy Harvin, but it's the Vikings' defensive weapon, Jared Allen, that may strike the most fear into the Buccaneers. Keeping Josh Freeman standing upright Thursday night could be a major factor in a Bucs victory.

The Bucs face a tough challenge in playing Thursday night on the road, just four days after facing the Saints. The bigger challenge according to Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano will be attempting to slow down Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the multi-dimensional Percy Harvin.

Early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 35-28 loss to the Saints, the Buccaneers were called for unsportsmanlike conduct for simulating the snap count on a field goal attempt. On Tuesday, general manager Mark Dominik met with the media to clarify the NFL's position on the play.

In two weeks, Bucs QB Josh Freeman has thrown for 748 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. The fourth year quarterback is hitting his stride and hopes to keep the momentum going in the short week before playing the Vikings Thursday night. 

At Monday's press conference at One Buc Place, Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano talked about the 35-28 loss to the Saints on Sunday. Schiano feels the Bucs made critical errors they have avoided all season and admitted the pass rush was ineffective against Drew Brees.

Was Bucs WR Vincent Jackson loafing on his 95-yard catch and run? What happened on the final TD pass that was negated because of a penalty? Is defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan struggling as a playcaller in the NFL? Find out what the staff of PewterReport.com thinks in this weekly Insider feature, the Pewter Report Roundtable.

Which Buccaneers players shined in the team's 35-28 loss on Sunday against the Saints? Who needs to step up their game before the Bucs travel to Minnesota Thursday night? Find out the most impressive and the most disappointing from Sunday's heartbreaking loss.