Davin Joseph on injured reserve with torn patellar tendon

Davin Joseph's injury is worse than initially reported. Where we first heard that Joseph had torn his kneecap, it appears that he has in fact torn his patellar tendon. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that the right guard will have surgery on Monday and will be placed on injured reserve, 'causing him to miss the entire season. Bucs fans will remember this specific injury from Cadillac Williams, who tore patellar tendons in both of his knee, essentially sapping him of much of his explosion and speed. Williams went from a promising, talented young back to out of the league in a matter of years because of those injuries.

It's not clear whether Joseph will be similarly affected by his torn patellar tendon, but this is a much more serious injury than a torn patella. This will affect the stability of his knee in the long term, and the Bucs should prepare for the possibility that Joseph may not return to form after rehabilitation.

With Joseph out, the Bucs will look to replace him internally. Ted Larsen replaced the Pro Bowl guard last night, while Derek Hardman could end up taking significant snaps if Larsen disappoints. The Bucs will look to see if any guards are available in free agency or on waivers after teams cut down to 75 and then 53 players, but Schiano has said that the starter will likely be on the team already.

Finally, defensive linemen Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn will miss Wednesday's preseason game, but this was pre-planned. They should be ready for the season opener.