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Injuries
Luke Stocker was back at practice, which is good for him, though he has an uphill battle to fight to make the roster. Rashaan Melvin also rejoined the team after missing most of training camp.
Other players were less lucky. Cornerbacks Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins continued to be sidelined, as was defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. Defensive end Scott Solomon joined that group, per Greg Auman. Bowers at least is expected to be ready for the team's first preseason game on Friday. The absence of those defensive ends explains the Bucs signing two other pass rushers today.
In addition, WR Tommy Streeter and center Josh Allen joined the injured players. Allen hasn't done much this offseason, but the speedy, 6'5" Streeter has been the star of training camp so far so seeing him sidelined is disappointing, although it may just be a day of rest.
All of that per Leo.
Here's USF's Ryne Giddins at first practice with Bucs today. Listed at 253 pounds, way down from college weight. pic.twitter.com/MztO78F5gs
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 5, 2014
Position Battles
It seems Ronald Talley is definitely seen as a three-technique defensive tackle. Lovie Smith mentioned him with that group, he was listed as a three-technique on the team's depth chart and he played with the defensive tackles today, per Greg Auman. I doubt he actually makes the roster: he'll have to bump off someone like Da'Quan Bowers (or more likely, Bowers himself) to grab a spot.
Today's punt return rotation: Eric Page, Bobby Rainey, Solomon Patton, Robert Herron and Jeff Demps.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) August 5, 2014
Interestingly, after not being listed as a kickoff specialist on the depth chart, Michael Koenen was also not taking first reps as a punter: Patrick Murray was, according to Leo. It's certainly starting to look like the Bucs want to rid themselves of Koenen's sub-par punting and overly expensive salary. The only problem would be how they replace him on kickoffs, where he's been outstanding, and Connor Barth has been blergh.
They are taking away all of Koenens jobs. Glennon holding for Murray now.
— Leo (@LeoHowell8) August 5, 2014
Danny Gorrer and Rashaan Melvin were the first-team cornerbacks ahead of Johnthan Banks, according to Greg Auman. It's probably just rest, but Banks was listed as a second-team cornerback behind Mike Jenkins on the depth chart.
Matt Patchan actually got some props from defensive (!) line coach Joe Cullen, per Scott Smith. The undrafted rookie has been intermittently showing up in training camp observations from various beat writers and has an outside chance to make the roster as a guard/tackle.
Leo notes that the tight end depth chart that had Austin Seferian-Jenkins as the fourth player at the position is probably meaningless, as all players are playing with all teams. Seferian-Jenkins should jump up the depth chart by the end of preseason anyway.