Carl Nicks Injury: Buccaneers guard won't be out for "an extended period"

It seems that the Buccaneers may be catching a break with regards to their MRSA ordeal: it seems Carl Nicks is going to be okay and won't miss "an extended period", whatever that is.

The Bucs don't believe Nicks will be sidelined for an extended period. He and fellow Pro Bowl G Davin Joseph haven't taken a snap together

— Ira Kaufman (@IKaufmanTBO) August 22, 2013

Initial reports suggested the All-Pro guard could miss around a month of playing time, which would keep him out for two or three regular season games. We'll see whether that holds up, but it's almost certain he doesn't play in the preseason. But at least he's responding to treatment, now.

If Nicks is to miss time, Ted Larsen or Gabe Carimi could see some playing time at left guard, while center Jeremy Zuttah could slide over to that spot as well. The Bucs have some options there, but you can't ever replace an All-Pro guard, only mitigate his absence.

More from Bucs Nation:

• Buccaneers kept MRSA secret for secrecy's sake
• Buccaneers clean facility after MRSA infection, Carl Nicks and Lawrence Tynes progressing
• Buccaneers deal with MRSA, Carl Nicks out indefinitely
• Carl Nicks Injury: Buccaneers guard out indefinitely with MRSA
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