It was another warm day at Bucs training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center, but a slight breeze made it a bit more palpable at times. Quarterback Tom Brady was given his first veteran day off of training camp, but was seen running off to the side before practice started. Wide receiver Mike Evans, tight end Cam Brate and linebacker Lavonte David also received veteran days off. Evans was out at practice helping to coach up some of the younger receivers and was often with Bill Walsh Fellowship coach Brittan Golden. Chris Godwin was also in attendance, though he remains out of practice.

Hainsey’s Time To Shine

Friday’s practice marked Robert Hainsey’s first action as the starting center with the number ones. The second-year center looked natural and comfortable in today’s practice and at one point, he stone-walled defensive tackle Vita Vea, standing him straight up. That’s not to say he didn’t have some struggles, though. On his second rep of the day, he was blown up by defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and knocked on his backside. It’s worth noting Hainsey was working against a double team against both Hicks and Vea on the play. He also showed good ability to climb to the second level and take on linebackers in the run game.

With Hainsey running with the ones, that bumped up third-year lineman Nick Leverett to the second group. Leverett also looked comfortable at the center position. His versatility has been well documented throughout the preseason last year and during the regular season. It was on display particularly when he filled in for Ali Marpet and Aaron Stinnie. It’s also worth mentioning he was taking the reps at left guard with the third unit.

Bucs OL Nick Leverett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said after practice that while the extent of Jensen’s injury is unknown, it looks like he’ll be out until at least November or December. As far as replacing Jensen in the lineup, it looks like both Hainsey and Leverett will have a chance to compete for the job before the team considers an outside veteran.

“It will be between Hainsey and Nick Leverett right now,” Bowles said. “Both of them have played it. It will be a tough battle going in. Both of them are very smart, both are very tough. It’s better to happen now than in the middle of the season so these guys can get some practice reps and prepare for it. I think either one of them will be fine.”

Veteran Day Off For Brady Gives Trask Extra Reps

With Brady taking a “veteran” day off, the arms of Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Trask, and Ryan Griffin led the team throughout the scrimmages. Each of them made an overall strong impression, making smart, short passes on out routes and on halfback screens, with an occasional airing out down the field.

In any case, Trask was praised by Bowles after practice for being “decisive” after having more reps in practice. While complementing the work of Gabbert as well. Even with Brady taking a day off, the team did not miss a beat with all three backups displaying adequate skills leading the huddle.

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Trask continues to show positive growth in year two. He looked confident in the huddle while making all the calls and even directing the younger receivers as well. Watching him after the ball is snapped, you can see him quickly go through his reads and often find the open man. He particularly shined at the end of practice during the two-minute drill, leading the offense to a “game-winning” touchdown.

It was an up-and-down day for Gabbert, who threw two interceptions, was sacked twice and almost had two other balls picked off.

Defense Continues To Make plays

While there were many bright “spots” under the Tampa sunshine today, there also were areas where improvement needs to be seen as camp progresses. One area of note was on the defensive side of the football, where numerous opportunities to catch the ball were blown. Shaquil Barrett, Jamel Dean, and KJ Britt all dropped would-be interceptions in practice today.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

However, Carlton Davis came away with his second pick in as many days. And Joe Tryon-Shoyinka came away with a pick of his own on a batted ball by William Gholston. While nice coverage was on display throughout the morning, especially from Dean and Carlton Davis, cashing in on these chances will be crucial come Sunday afternoons.

Veteran Wide Receivers Have A Day

It was a good day for Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson. Both receivers were targeted early and often and caught everything that came their way. Miller had a particularly nice leaping catch for a big gain and displayed veteran instincts in the two-minute drill. Targeted on back-to-back throws, he had the wherewithal to get out of bounds on the first catch. On the second reception, he promptly got the ball to the line of scrimmage to keep precious seconds from burning off the clock. Miller also had a touchdown in red zone drills, leaving corner Ross Cockrell in a trail of dust.

Bucs WR Scotty Miller – Photo by: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson made some excellent grabs in traffic and tight-coverage windows and was heavily targeted by Trask in the hurry-up portion of practice. He was targeted three times within a four-play span, making all three catches, helping move the ball down the field. Evans highlighted Johnson in his post-practice press conference, saying he has impressed him the most so far out of the young wide outs on the team.

“I feel like Tyler Johnson is in tip-top shape, he’s looking really good,” Evans said. “If I had to choose one guy right now – I know it’s only been three days, but Tyler Johnson looks really good.”

Special Teams Watch

Friday’s practice saw the Bucs battle for kick returner group cut in half. What has been nine or ten players taking reps at the spot the first two days whittled down to just five on day three. Russell Gage, Miller, Jaelon Darden, Kenjon Barner, and Devon Thompkins were the five back returning live punts from Jake Camarda.

That was also a change from the first two days of practice, as the returners were fielding balls from the jugs machine on day one and two. The rookie punter shows great control of his punts, with spectacular direction and hang time. His holding abilities have been flawless as well through three days.

It was another Ryan Succop practice on Friday, with the veteran kicker perfect on the day, including one from 48 yards out.