The Bucs have re-signed veteran offensive lineman Earl Watford to bolster the center position due to Robert Hainsey’s injured status. Watford, who is 31, spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with Tampa Bay, bouncing back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad. He has a great deal of experience in Bruce Arians offense, having played in the system for six years, including four years in Arizona.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Watford has great versatility and can play all five positions, but is best at the interior playing guard and center. He started four games for the Bucs at guard in the 2019 season and has 25 starts in his six-year NFL career.

Given Watford’s return, it is doubtful that Hainsey, the Bucs’ third-round pick, will be healthy enough to suit up for the preseason opener against Cincinnati on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. Third-string center Donell Stanley has also missed practice time this week due to injury and will likely miss the first preseason game, too.