Da'Quan Bowers, Luke Stocker injuries not serious; Alterraun Verner running

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have no major injuries, but three minor injuries could still pose problems. Cornerback Alterraun Verner has missed nearly all of training camp with a hamstring injury, while defensive end Da'Quan Bowers and tight end Luke Stocker were forced to sit out yeterday's practice.

Here's what Lovie Smith had to say on those injuries yesterday.

"Alterraun Verner is running. I think I said that yesterday. But we're going to take our time with him. He's had trouble with that hamstring on a couple of occasions. He's making progress. Trying to think of the other guys we have out. [Luke] Stocker, Da'Quan Bowers we kept out. Nothing major - both of them should be good to go this weekend. Again, this time of camp, normally you need a day here and there off."

Bowers and Stocker have a history of injuries preventing them from being at their best, in training camp or beyond, and seeing them on the sidelines is not a good sign. But if it's just a day or so off before they suit up on Friday, it shouldn't be a big deal. Both players are still fighting for their roster spots and need all the exposure they can get.

Alterraun Verner's absence is more annoying. Hamstring injuries can be season-long affairs that bother a player consistently, even when they're able to play. The fact that he's missing time to get acclimated to this defense doesn't help, either. At least the Bucs have solid depth at cornerback behind him, so being without Verner shouldn't be the end of the world. But it's hardly a perfect situation.

We didn't get any updates on cornerback Mike Jenkins, who has been sitting out several practices now, or linebacker Jeremy Grable, who's missed two practices.