Bucs Injury Updates: Gerald McCoy week-to-week, Legarrette Blount unclear

Despite being carted off the field and later re-appearing on crutches and in a walking boot, it appears Gerald McCoy's injury isn't season ending. He suffered a lower leg injury early in the game against the San Francisco 49ers. That injury is believed to be a high ankle sprain. If it is, McCoy is likely to miss a couple of weeks but not much more - DE Juqua Parker of the Philadelphia Eagles missed two weeks with a high ankle sprain earlier this season. 

The Bucs seem to have the same time-frame in mind, as Raheem Morris said the defensive tackle was considered week-to-week. Gerald McCoy was having a terrific season before his injury, and without him the Bucs lack an explosive element at defensive tackle, which hampers both their run defense and their pass defense. The Bucs are about to enter the toughest stretch of games in the season, as they face the New Orleans Saints twice and the Chicago Bears in London over the next four weeks.

The Bucs are promoting DE George Johnson to the regular season roster to add some depth to the defensive line in the interim. Rookie TE Collin Franklin will be released to make room for the defensive lineman. 

In addition, it appears Legarrette Blount's knee injury may be a little more serious than initially thought. He could be out for Sunday's game against the Saints. Per Roy Cummings, if Blount practices wednesday he will be listed as day-to-day. 

Update: Per Dan Parr of Pro Football Weekly, the Bucs also placed Devin Holland on IR, which would open the way for Ahmad Black to make the roster.