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Demar Dotson Is Cleared To Practice

Some good news concerning the Bucs’ incumbent right tackle

NFL: Preseason-Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles
Dotson is a key piece to Tampa Bay’s offensive line
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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.