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Will Bucs C Jensen Return This Week?
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Will Bucs C Jensen Return This Week?

Originally posted on PewterReport.com  |  By Matt Matera  |  Last updated 1/9/23

Until we see him in a Bucs uniform on game day, the never-ending question about the availability of Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen will rightfully be asked every week by the media.

That question became even more important when center Robert Hainsey left Week 18’s game with a hamstring injury and did not return. The Bucs initiated the 21-day practice window in which Jensen could come off of injured reserve with his knee injury and come back to the active roster. Jensen has been practicing each week in some form of capacity, but there hasn’t been any movement yet.

Jensen has eight more days to get healthy enough for the Bucs to add him. If he’s not ready by then, Jensen will be on injure reserve for the rest of the season.

Bucs HC Bowles Answers Questions About Jensen’s Status

So what gives? Will we see Jensen for the playoffs?

This is what head coach Todd Bowles had to say.

“I’ll give you the same answer as last week,” Bowles said. “It’s status quo. He’s working hard and we’d like to see him out there, so we’ll see. The window’s starting to close this week, so we’ll see where we’re at.”

If Jensen was healthy enough that the regular season finale that would’ve been a perfect time to get him some live reps. Tampa Bay was already entrusting two backup offensive linemen to play tackle while Tom Brady was quarterback. Then Hainsey got hurt after just 13 plays and the team had to move starting left guard Nick Leverett to center for the remainder of the game. John Molchon replaced Leverett at left guard and saw his first NFL action in Atlanta.

Hainsey’s hamstring injury was classified as “sore,” and the Bucs are hopeful that he can start in the playoffs.

The Bucs will host the Cowboys in the Super Wild Card round on Monday night football at 8:15 p.m.

This article first appeared on Pewter Report and was syndicated with permission.

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