According to Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, rookie center Robert Hainsey will miss the team’s first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday. Hainsey has missed nine consecutive practices with an undisclosed injury.

Hainsey was running as the second team center before his injury. On maintenance days for Ryan Jensen, the rookie had some of his best practices with the starters.

It remains to be seen how long he’ll be out of the lineup, but there was some encouraging news on Thursday. Hainsey was able to snap the ball with Tom Brady off to the side in-between practice sessions. The Notre Dame product has also been working on his pass sets during practices, despite working on air. So hopefully his return is slated for some time next week.

The Bucs selected Hainsey in the third round, hoping he would compete for a primary backup spot this season. The 23 year-old could be the primary backup at center this season, as well as filling in at guard or tackle. Hainsey spent his entire college career as an offensive tackle.

To offset the loss of Hainsey and third team center Donell Stanley to injury, the Bucs signed veteran Earl Watford on Thursday.