Already reeling from injuries at the offensive tackle, defensive tackle and secondary positions in training camp, the Bucs may have dodged a bullet regarding the injuries to both left tackle Donovan Smith and free safety Justin Evans during Tuesday morning’s practice.

PewterReport.com has learned that the team is hopeful that Smith only suffered a minor knee sprain, not a long-term injury like a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), and that Evans has a mild foot sprain. Smith was injured in a run-blocking drill and was in obvious pain as he was helped off the field by team trainers and sent inside for medical evaluations. There is optimism in One Buccaneer Place that Smith could be ready for Week 1.

The optimism is even higher regarding Evans, whose foot sprain is less of a concern than that of Smith’s knee. He almost assuredly should be better over the next three weeks and ready for the 2018 season opener at New Orleans.