The Bucs have been fairly lucky when it has come to players being placed on the Reserve/COVID list this summer. However, within a week they have had three players land on the list. First kicker Ryan Succop landed on the list after going out to dinner with Titans players. Now offensive lineman Nick Leverett and Earl Watford have been placed on the list a day prior to the final preseason game.

Leverett, who is vying for the ninth lineman spot, was set to see action at his more natural position of guard after playing tackle and center in the first two contests. Leverett’s versatility might have already done enough to earn the ninth offensive line spot for the Bucs if they keep nine. However he will miss the opportunity to showcase his skill set at guard.

Watford was brought in before the Bucs preseason contest versus the Bengals as much needed depth and for his versatility. Watford spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with Tampa Bay, bouncing back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad. He was a long shot to make the roster and his placement on the list does him no favors.

Watford gave an update on his health shortly after the new broke.

Rookie center Robert Hainsey is set to make his preseason debut against the Texans, but John Molchon is still out with injury. With Leverett and Watford’s unavailability for Saturday’s game leaves the Bucs short at depth in the interior of the line.