Bucs C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

It was a pleasant surprise post-Christmas to see Bucs center Ryan Jensen back at practice this week. While he will not be playing in the game on Sunday, it opens up the possibility for a season-finale or playoff return. That all depends on if the Bucs clinch the NFC South division. 

For the team, it was evident that seeing him back gave them a spark. More than that, right tackle Tristan Wirfs added that it’s his “tenacity” the team has missed:

Bucs HC Bowles: “Having Him Out There Is A Big Lift”

Jensen’s fill-in at center, Robert Hainsey, has done admirable work in his stead. He had to learn the trade of towels and baby powder on the fly, an expectation for all of Brady’s centers. What Hainsey does not have is the fiery attitude and reputation of being an anchor. Jensen is not only an offensive line anchor, but he could be a nice addition for a Bucs’ ship looking to anchor themselves into the playoffs.

Bucs Cs Robert Hainsey and Ryan Jensen and LG Shaq Mason – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Head coach Todd Bowles tempered expectations for Jensen but admitted the lift he brings. 

“We don’t have any expectations [for] him – it’s part of his rehab process,” Bowles said. “Having him out there and seeing him out there is a big lift for the guys. He was the anchor and he was the attitude guy when he was here, so just having him out there is a big lift.”

Jensen’s Return Gives Brady A Familiar Face

Perhaps the most excited player to see Jensen back at practice this week is quarterback Tom Brady. Jensen has familiarity with Brady, something he has dearly missed along the offensive line. It has been a line doing their best to navigate injuries and swapping guys in and out. 

This has been a pronounced difference for Brady, as the pocket has collapsed quicker than in years past, and at age 45, he does not have the elusiveness to constantly dodge edge rushers and defensive linemen coming at him all game.

Of those who returned from last year, only tackles Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs were starters, and both have battled through injuries themselves. Brady spoke about having Jensen back in some capacity in his press conference Thursday.

“It’s good, it’s definitely good,” Brady said. “I mean, everyone loves having Ryan out there. He’s kind of a pain in the butt when he’s in the locker room by himself. It’s nice to get him on the field and he gets [in] a little more of a happier place. I think we’re all a little happier when we’re out there. But it’s great to have him out there. We love having him out there.”

While the season has been one filled with overcoming struggles, primarily on offense, Jensen is an X-factor. That is if he is able to make it back from what once looked like a season-ending injury. But even if he doesn’t, Bucs players and coaches welcome his presence back at the practice facility.