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There was no question that the right side of Tampa Bay’s offensive line looked pretty shaky after the Bucs cut ties with J.R. Sweezy. Demar Dotson, starting right tackle, was also coming off a season-ending injury with an unclear timetable of when he could return in 2018.
Bucs fans, staff, and players can all breathe a little easier after Dotson was cleared to return to practice today by the team’s doctors.
“Dot’s been cleared.” Dirk Koetter informed the media today after the practice session. “Dot’s been cleared to practice. Right now we’re holding him out of 11-on-11, just as he eases back in - he missed OTAs - as he’s easing back into on-the-field-work. When we (do) 11-on-11, even though we’re trying to stay on our feet there’s bodies on the ground. Part of coming back from an injury is just getting your confidence back. We expect everything to be fine with Dot, if there’s no surprises.”
Dotson graded out as Tampa Bay’s best offensive lineman in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus. He has started the majority of the past six seasons.
Usually players are lost early on in camp, not the other way around. It’s good to see the Bucs come out on the fortunate side of a situation.
Dirk Koetter confirms what appeared to be the situation with right tackle Demar Dotson: He has been cleared to practice but is being eased back in. Has been going with the ones but staying out of 11-on-11.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) July 27, 2018