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About the Author: J.C. Allen
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On Tuesday, Bucs outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul posted a cryptic message on his Instagram account about “setbacks”. Earlier in the day, head coach Bruce Arians said Pierre-Paul was not at practice due to a shoulder injury. Now it appears that Pierre-Paul was on his way to Colorado for a second opinion on his shoulder. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the second opinion recommended rest for the Bucs veteran, a designation that makes Pierre-Paul unlikely to be active in Week 3.
#Bucs LB Jason Pierre-Paul had a second opinion on his shoulder and rest was the recommendation, source said. While no firm determination has been made, that likely leaves JPP inactive this week to heal up.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2021
The second opinion revealed the best case scenario for the outside linebacker, who already receives veteran days off. Losing Pierre-Paul’s versatility in the lineup will be missed. Todd Bowles loves to move the outside linebacker around, including dropping him into coverage. The injury comes at an especially bad time with one the the toughest opponents on the Bucs schedule in the Rams.
With Pierre-Paul unlikely to go Sunday, rookie Joe Tryon-Shoyinka should get his first start. Tryon-Shoyinka is already one of the Bucs best one-on-one edge rushers. Giving him a bigger role in this defense was inevitable with the way he has played through two weeks. Outside linebacker Anthony Nelson will likely see an increased role as well. In Week 2, Tryon-Shoyinka played 19 snaps and recorded two pressures. Nelson picked up 14 snaps against the Falcons, after seven in Week 1.
