After head coach Bruce Arians confirmed that starting right guard Alex Cappa suffered a fractured ankle against Washington this past Saturday, the Bucs have brought in offensive lineman Earl Watford to begin clearing COVID protocols, per Greg Auman of The Athletic.
Bucs brought veteran guard Earl Watford in to start COVID-19 testing protocols Sunday after losing Alex Cappa. He can clear testing and work out Thursday, sign to practice squad, would add depth and familiarity with Bucs offense.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 12, 2021
Originally a fourth-round draft pick to Arizona in 2013, Watford spent four seasons with the Cardinals under Arians before reuniting in Tampa Bay with his former head coach in 2019. Watford saw action in 15 games for the Bucs last year, starting four of them. Watford could step in quickly and provide depth along the offensive line in Cappa’s absence as Arians announced on Monday that Aaron Stinnie will be starting at right guard against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round.