The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be absolutely dominant offensively this season with Tom Brady under center, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Julio Jones and Russell Gage at receiver, and Leonard Fournette at running back. As good as that skill position group looks on paper, it won't matter if the offensive line struggles, and that unit might have taken a major hit Thursday when Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen went down injured at camp. The SportsLine Projection M odel has run a simulation on the 2022 Bucs without Jensen, and they are downgraded.
Jensen's lefty knee injury happened during a drill and resulted in the whole club gathering around Jensen – never a good sign. General Manager Jason Licht said the team might not have a diagnosis for a few days due to swelling.
Let's be clear that Jensen's injury could be nothing, but as CBS Sports' Pete Prisco tweeted: “He threw his helmet, which is not a good sign.” And as ESPN's Jenna Laine tweeted: “Ryan Jensen absolutely doesn't like being carted off. Even if he's in significant pain, he will attempt to walk. It's telling that he can't.”
The 31-year-old Jensen was named to his first Pro Bowl last year. He was one of three players selected for the Pro Bowl from Tampa Bay's offensive line after the Buccaneers allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2021 and led the league in passing yards.