The Buccaneers are clearly worried about their offensive line, considering they went out and signed veteran tackle Gosder Cherilus yesterday.
But they’re actually more optimistic about the status of right tackle Demar Dotson than previously thought.
According to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, Dotson won’t need surgery to repair the left knee sprain suffered Saturday, and they’re hopeful he’ll be back earlier in the regular season than previously imagined.
“Demar’s on crutches right now,’’ head coach Lovie Smith said. “He’s going to be out for a period of time. Hopefully it’s not a long period of time, but he will be out for a while.’’
If Dotson wasn’t a concern at all, they probably wouldn’t have signed Cherilus, since he’s coming with his own medical baggage. The Colts cut him this offseason after concerns about his knee, so he’s going to have to prove himself well.
But with the plans to start rookies Donovan Smith at left tackle and Ali Marpet at right guard, the Bucs needed the experience.