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Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network announced that left tackle Donovan Smith will miss two to four weeks with a right knee injury suffered during Tuesday’s practice;
#Bucs standout LT Donovan Smith, who suffered what appeared to be a scary injury in practice, has a sprained knee and is out 2-4 weeks, source said. Not good news for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for his starts, but not worst-case scenario for Tampa Bay and Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2018
This could be a big blow to the Buccaneers if he misses the beginning of the season given the lack of depth behind him along the offensive line. Although Smith isn’t at the top of the NFL when it comes to left tackles, but he’s a middle of the pack kind of guy - and lightyears ahead of everyone behind him on the roster.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times had previously stated that the Buccaneers believed both Smith and safety Justin Evans would be back in time for the opening game against the Saints.
Smith hasn’t missed a game thus far in his career, starting all 48 games. To be missing your franchise quarterback and left tackle to start the season against the Saints, Eagles, and potentially the Steelers just makes things that much more difficult for the Bucs.