For the first time in over a week, Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith was able to practice. Smith hyperextended his right elbow in the first half during Week 1’s victory at Dallas and missed last week’s game at New Orleans.

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After not practicing all of last week or on Wednesday, he returned on Thursday with some extra accessories. Tampa Bay’s starting left tackle had a brace on his right elbow while he worked with the rest of the offensive lineman.

In the locker room after practice was done, Smith told us how it went coming back from injury and also gave an honest outlook on how it he felt to him watching last Sunday’s game rather than playing in it. Smith has only missed three career games, so it’s a rare thing for him.

“It felt good to get back out there to be with the squad,” Smith said. “You have kind of a thing that goes on when you’re out you feel like you’re worthless. I feel good to be back out there.”

Smith Praises Walton

As far as a pain tolerance, Smith declined to go into detail about that or if he can play this Sunday against the Packers. Better yet, he elected to talk about how much he enjoyed watching Brandon Walton play after he came in for an injured Josh Wells at left tackle.

Bucs LG Luke Goedeke and LT Brandon Walton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“It’s unfortunate that Josh got hurt but did a great job stepping in, holding his own,” Smith said. “Brandon’s kind of been a swing guy inside and out. To be able to go out there and do it at a high level, be able to take the coaching, you got to be able to evolve and adapt in this league. And to be able to do the many things that he can do, moves well and works well for his corner. Get paid, my boy.

“You plug the next guy in. Everybody has a job to do regardless of who’s in there or what’s going on. For him to be able to step in with the guys and not lose any gel or things like that, it was pretty cool. Like I said, it just boils down to what we do. Five guys on the same page – top to bottom – and we’re good.”