Dotson continues to progress as second preseason game approaches

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first team offense performed exceptionally well during the teams first preseason game, they were missing a key piece. Starting right tackle Demar Dotson was held out as the team continues to ease him back into action from his off season knee injury. Dotson, when healthy, is arguably the teams best offensive lineman and will certainly be a huge factor this season for Tampa Bay.

Head coach Dirk Koetter gave some positive news today on Dotson and assured everyone that the veteran’s injury was not worse than previously reported and that the team is just being cautious and easing him back into action.

“No, he’s right on track. He could’ve played last week if we needed him to. We don’t need a guy that’s in his 10th or 11th year to play in preseason,” Koetter said. “Look around the league, there were a lot of veteran players that didn’t play in preseason one.”

Demar Dotson, according to PFF, gave up the second fewest QB pressures (minimum of 400 snaps) last season with a total of 14, so he is clearly a huge part of the Buccaneers offense.

Like Koetter said, it wasn’t overly important for Dotson to play week one, but you would like to see him take at least a few snaps this upcoming week. The team clearly has a plan for Dotson, but Koetter was very brief on that plan and was non committal on whether or not Dotson will Play Saturday.

“Yeah, I do know, but I’ll let you in on that a little later. Dot’s progressing fine. We’re easing him in as I said,” Koetter said. “He’s going in 11-on-11. He’s out there right in the middle of it. I’m very confident that Dot’s good to go.”

Dotson has been practicing in 11-on-11 for quite a few practices now, so I would anticipate him playing on Saturday night even if it is only for a series or two.