The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some devastating news on Saturday. In a year that they are not slated to make a lot of noise in the NFC, the team will now have to move forward without one of their star offensive linemen. Center Ryan Jensen is headed to the injured reserve and will not play in 2023.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ryan Jensen Out For 2023
Jensen has been dealing with a knee injury since last offseason. He suffered the injury in training camp but opted to not move forward with surgery in order to try and keep a late-season return open for Tom Brady‘s last run. It didn’t happen but the team was hoping he would be ready for 2023. Now, there is a question of whether he will ever play football again. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Jensen has likely played his last down in the NFL and the Bucs GM indicated that might be the case. This is a devastating blow for the team.
Outlook For 2023
Baker Mayfield has won the starting job and while criticism of him is valid, he has good seasons under his belt. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the team, Mayfield will have no shortage of weapons to throw at. The defense also still has great pieces from the Super Bowl winning team and should help keep the team afloat. While many are already writing off the team, there is a chance in a weak NFC South the team could surprise some people.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will go into 2023 and beyond without Ryan Jensen. It is a devastating blow to a team that is rebuilding.