Bucs head coach Todd Bowles immediately ruled center Ryan Jensen out for Sunday’s big game against the visiting Panthers even though the Pro Bowler returned to practice this week. But that doesn’t mean that Jensen’s return to action can’t help the team.

Bucs C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs opened the 21-day practice window for Jensen, who has been on injured reserve since September 1 with a knee injury. Jensen can practice with the team for three weeks before the team has to either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him back on injured reserve.

Once quarterback Tom Brady received the news on Monday night that Jensen was going to return to practice there was a noticeable increased pep in his step this week, according to sources.

“I know he’s been very vigilant with his rehab,” Brady said. “I don’t know, I don’t think anyone knows right now. I know he’s a lot closer, and I know he’s itching to be out there. I see him every day, I try to encourage him every day.”

On Thursday, Brady shared his remarks about Jensen’s return to the practice field.

“It’s good, it’s definitely good,” Brady said. “Everyone loves having Ryan out there. He’s kind of a pain in the butt when he’s in the locker room by himself. It’s nice to get him out on the field and he gets in a little more of a happier place. I think we’re all a little happier when we’re out there. It’s great having him out there. We love having him out there.”

Jensen’s Return Has Energized The Bucs

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs and C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Jensen’s return is also expected to motivate center Robert Hainsey to pick up his play even more. Hainsey, a second-year player, has filled in at center all season for the Bucs and played reasonably well. Knowing that Jensen’s potential return to could force Hainsey to the bench should make him want to make the most of his remaining snaps on game days.

And with Jensen rejoining the team in a more formal sense on the practice field he should be able to offer more vocal leadership. It’s tough to be on injured reserve and tell guys how to play or what they’re doing wrong when you’re not in the fray with them and standing on the sidelines in street clothes.

If Jensen suits up for the Falcons game or a playoff game should the Bucs qualify – even as an emergency reserve – he may be more apt to speak up and rally the troops on the sidelines than he has this year. What he’s done this year is more one-on-one talks with players this year at practice and on the sidelines during games. Jensen’s fire and brimstone style of vocal leadership would be broadcast to the entire O-line in group settings with his return to practice.

Of course the Bucs would love to have Jensen back on the field snapping the ball to Brady on game days, but if he winds up not being able to physically return this year, at least he has returned to practice to get a jump start on the 2023 season.