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About the Author: Jon Ledyard
Latest Bucs Headlines
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Bucs RB Giovani Bernard is dealing with a mild high ankle sprain. The veteran back sat out of practice on Thursday, as the team returned from four days off. Bernard was injured in the second quarter of the Bucs preseason victory over the Texans last Saturday night.
#Bucs RB Giovani Bernard, who wasn’t spotted at practice today, is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain, source said. Still a week until the kickoff game against the #Cowboys and he’s expected to be back. Bruce Arians always cautious with veterans.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 2, 2021
To clarify Pelissero’s tweet, Bernard was at practice, but was not participating. It’s the first practice the 29-year old has missed this summer.
Head coach Bruce Arians has said several times since Saturday night that the team has no major injuries and is healthy going into Week 1. It’s probably safe to assume that Bernard’s injury isn’t serious, and the Bucs are just being cautious. Bernard has missed just four games in the past four seasons.
The biggest offseason signing for the Bucs, Bernard has excelled during camp as a pass-catcher. Already one of the league’s best pass-protecting backs, the Bucs administration has been thrilled with Bernard’s all-around game and character in the locker room. He’s also been praised by teammates up-and-down throughout camp.
Tampa Bay’s Week 1 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys is still a week away, allowing Bernard plenty of time to heal. The Bucs host the Cowboys next Thursday night, September 9, at Raymond James Stadium.
UPDATE: Arians said that Bernard is “fine” following Thursday’s practice.
#Bucs HC Bruce Arians says Gio Bernard is “fine.”
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 2, 2021
