The Bucs are still awaiting final word on the extent of center Ryan Jensen’s knee injury, as well as how long it will keep him out. On Thursday, head coach Todd Bowles said they expect Jensen to miss at least several months. However, before bringing in a veteran, the team wants to see what they have in-house. And there’s a lot of confidence in second-year center Robert Hainsey and third-year lineman Nick Leverett.

Count assistant head coach and run game coordinator Harold Goodwin as one who has the utmost trust in Hainsey.

“Hainsey’s smart, cerebral, he studies the game and wants to be good at football,” Goodwin said. “We trust him, and obviously this will be his first full year at center. He’s bounced around a couple positions over the last year, but we’ve got full confidence in him. And I don’t expect any drop-off. Anything that Ryan can do, Hainsey can do it as well.”

That’s some high praise for Hainsey from Goodwin. It’s now up to him to back it up.

Through the first week of practice without pads Hainsey has looked comfortable at the position. On one rep, he completely stonewalled defensive tackle Vita Vea, standing him up at the line while showing good technique and hand placement.

Of course, he did have some plays where he struggled as well. He was blown up by Akiem Hicks on one play and had a high shotgun snap that went over Tom Brady’s head on another. But it’s early enough in camp to correct those mistakes.

Goodwin Trusts Both Of Jensen’s Potential Replacements

We’ll get a better look at how Hainsey will fare when pads come on Monday. And he’ll need to show consistency, as he’s not the only player on the roster vying for the job. Leverett will also be gunning for the starting gig, and he also has the trust of Goodwin.

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

“He’s worked his butt off,” Goodwin said. “Ever since he got here, he wants to be great. He’s in the building every morning, in here before 5:30 a.m. watching tape, studying other players on his own, trying to get better. So, I trust him. I know he’s going to play physical. I know he’s very athletic and I know he’s going to do the right thing.”

Leverett has also looked solid through the first week of practice. He hasn’t had any errant snaps and has more than held his own against the second-team defense. It will be a different story when pads come on, though, especially when he gets his shot with the top unit going against the starting defense.

Leverett will need to make the most of his reps when he gets them to challenge Hainsey for the starting center job. But he has the trust of the coaching staff behind him.