The Bucs suffered another big injury to their offensive line during Saturday’s preseason game against the Titans. Guard Aaron Stinnie went down on a run play in the third quarter and immediately took off his helmet and held his leg.
After being looked at by trainers, Stinnie was carted off the field. Several Tampa Bay players – and some from Tennessee – checked on him before he headed to the locker room. On the replay, it looked like running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn was tackled into the back of his left knee. The 28-year-old lineman out of James Madison was visibly frustrated as he left the game.
The injury is another tough pill to swallow for the Bucs, especially along their offensive line. Stinnie was in the mix to start at left guard, battling throughout camp with Nick Leverett and Luke Goedeke. At the very least, he is a key part of Tampa Bay’s depth, with the ability to play both guard spots.
This is an offensive line already without Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen for the foreseeable future. The unit is also breaking in a new right guard in Shaq Mason. Stinnie, who stepped in for an injured Alex Cappa during the Bucs’ Super Bowl run two seasons ago, was the only healthy interior offensive lineman with experience in Byron Leftwich’s offense.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles didn’t have an update on Stinnie after the game.
#Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles said he doesn’t have an update on Aaron Stinnie’s knee.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) August 21, 2022