Jeremy

Trueblood

Packers LB Desmond Bishop trapped Trueblood’s ankle underneath his body, twisting it awkwardly. James Lee has come on as the replacement at right tackle.

Bucs GM Mark Dominik threatened Trueblood with his release if he didn’t accept. Trueblood was smart to take the salary slash, because no other teams would have paid him the $4.25 million he’s still due. Trueblood’s salary ($4 million) is now guaranteed, and he’ll also collect a $250,000 escalator. Now in a contract year, Trueblood struggled along with the rest of the Bucs in 2011.

Trueblood missed Sunday’s loss with an ankle injury, but has apparently been permanently benched. Trueblood agreed to a pay-cut in camp, and graded out as one of the worst right tackles in the league by Pro Football Focus last season. It’s the second time in three seasons he’s been benched. A fourth-year pro, Dotson had made only two career starts before Sunday.

Trueblood was benched for Demar Dotson and can only play right tackle. The Bucs need more “versatility” in their game-day backup offensive linemen. “It’s just when you’re not the starter, when you’re a backup and you dress seven offensive linemen, it’s (about) position flexibility at that point,” coach Greg Schiano explained. Trueblood is “earning” $4 million this season.

Demar Dotson will make his first regular-season start at right tackle. Also inactive for the Bucs: CB Anthony Gaitor, RB Michael Smith, CB E.J. Biggers, LB Najee Goode, OT Derek Hardman and DE George Johnson.

The Bucs are already without RG Davin Joseph (knee, injured reserve) for the season. Trueblood and LG Carl Nicks (probable, toe) were limited participants in practice this week. If Trueblood is ruled out against the Giants, Demar Dotson will start at right tackle.

He’s replacing Ted Larsen. Larsen stood 6-foot-2, 305. Trueblood goes 6-foot-8, 320. As long as Trueblood can stay low and fire out of his stance that way, he should be able to make this work. For comparison’s sake, 6-foot-8, 300-pound Alex Boone of the 49ers has emerged as one of the NFL’s best right guards.

Gilreath could be a threat to Roscoe Parrish, who has averaged 7.7 yards per on 18 punt returns. S Cody Grimm (hamstring) and OL Jeremy Trueblood (undisclosed) were placed on injured reserve, in corresponding moves.

Trueblood suffered a shoulder injury in Week 12. He had been operating as a swing lineman after losing his starting job to Demar Dotson. Trueblood seems unlikely to return as a 2013 free agent. Grimm was primarily a special teamer before injuring his hamstring in Week 9.

Trueblood lost the starting right tackle job to Demar Dotson. He’s not getting that gig back, but could replace struggling Ted Larsen inside. Larsen has been subbing for Davin Joseph (IR, knee). Any change will be welcome news for rookie RB Doug Martin, who has seen few running lanes on his way to 3.47 yards per carry.