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Charles Sims, Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins out for Buccaneers vs. Dolphins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will miss a few key players against the Miami Dolphins, and that's not good news for now -- nor for the regular season.

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Rob Foldy

After the final practice of training camp, Lovie Smith said that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without cornerbacks Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins , as well as running back Charles Sims against the Miami Dolphins in their second preseason on Saturday, per Greg Auman.

Jenkins has been sidelined with a lower-leg injury since before the first preseason game, while Verner was at the time struggling with his own injury as well. Verner has since re-joined practices, but apparently hasn't progressed to the point where he can play in a game. Charles Sims, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday and was seen in a walking boot on Thursday.

With both Verner and Jenkins missing both preseason games, one has to start to wonder about the team's secondary once the season starts. Missing that much time is not very conducive to playing well early in the season. At least Dashon Goldson will suit up in this game after missing the first preseason game.

Charles Sims' injury may be a bit of a problem, however. Ankle sprains tend to heal slowly and even when players are ready to come back, they initially lack the explosiveness they have usually had. Bobby Rainey and Mike James are more than capable of taking on Sims' responsibilities, however, with Rainey being the second-team running back for now.

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