Friday marked the first day without Bucs Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen taking snaps for the team after he suffered a substantial knee injury during Thursday’s practice. It’s an injury that will keep him out “at least a couple of months,” according to head coach Todd Bowles.

This means the opportunity is there for the taking for second-year lineman Robert Hainsey and third-year pro Nick Leverett. Hainsey is the Bucs’ current starter, but Bowles stated that Leverett is also in the mix.

Bucs Cs Nick Leverett and Robert Hainsey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“It will be between Hainsey and Nick Leverett right now,” Bowles said. “Both of them have played it. It will be a tough battle going in. Both of them are very smart, both are very tough. It’s better to happen now than in the middle of the season so these guys can get some practice reps and prepare for it. I think either one of them will be fine.”

Hainsey, a former third-round pick, has the inside track for the job after taking the first-team reps Friday. But Leverett saw increased action at center, taking all the snaps with the second unit. As much as it could be a battle between the two for the top spot, Leverett has been impressed by Hainsey’s growth in the past year and does not see it as awkward competing against him.

“We go at it, we compete, we compete in a good way with each other, to make each other better,” Leverett said. “You know, that’s a guy I have seen [since] he first got here. Just to see the level of growth that he’s had is crazy. Honestly, one of the smartest guys in the room – if not the smartest.”

Leverett Has The Right Mindset

Speaking with the media after Friday’s practice, Leverett shared some kind words about Jensen, who he called his “role model.” He also discussed his mindset about competing for the crucial role of being Tom Brady’s center.

“I mean, the thing for me is, whether it’s Tom, whether it’s Kyle [Trask], whether it’s Blaine [Gabbert], whether it’s Griff (Ryan Griffin), I’m going to prepare the same way,” Leverett said. “I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to make sure my mindset is to be the first one here, the last one out. My mindset is to be the hardest worker and to compete against myself. It’s more so of me being the best player I can be for my team and my teammates.”

Leverett and Hainsey filling in for Jensen will definitely be one of the biggest talking points and wide-open battles emerging in training camp. One thing is for sure, Leverett is going to compete and isn’t going to let the opportunity pass him up.

“That is what I’m here for – to compete, whether it’s center, guard, tackle, fullback, quarterback – it doesn’t matter,” Leverett said. “I’m going to compete my behind off wherever I’m at. That’s my biggest thing – wherever the opportunity is at, I’m going to go for it.”

This article was written by Adam Slovin