Kenyatta

Walker

Two years ago, Walker was benched for the opening game. Since the Bucs signed RT Todd Steussie in the offseason, Walker has weathered rumors of his trade or release.

Steussie has been an expensive mistake all season in Tampa Bay. Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden swung and missed with their older free agent acquisitions.

Walker and Tucker both missed nearly two weeks of camp with knee injuries. Walker will battle rookie Jeremy Trueblood to start this year.

''He’s a guy that needs a couple of days and given the fact that it’s a short week the Bucs play again Thursday, we want to make sure he’s ready for the start of the season,’' coach Jon Gruden said. ''He did some particularly good things in the game and he’s had a good camp. I want to make sure he’s physically ready to go.’'

The Bucs will release a few players, but Walker still looks like their starter at right tackle. Their shaky offensive line is a huge concern for Brian Griese, Michael Clayton, and Cadillac Williams this season.

Walker is rehabbing from knee surgery and has made no free agent visits after being cut in March. He likely wouldn’t be an option to start in Carolina.

Walker has a history of serious knee troubles and would only be a backup.

Evan Mathis, a converted guard, and second-year pro Rashad Butler made the recently-acquired veteran with bad knees expendable.

Second-year T Rashad Butler struggled during camp, so this is an insurance move. Walker has a history of knee trouble and shouldn’t start in Carolina.

Walker was scheduled to have an MRI exam Sunday, but his status is unknown for Saturday’s home game against Atlanta.