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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been steadily preparing for the final quarter of the 2020 season, even through the bye week. On top of bringing Kenjon Barner off the practice squad, the Bucs added a veteran offensive lineman to take his spot.
Interior offensive lineman Ted Larsen played his first four seasons with Tampa Bay from 2010-2013. After leaving the Bucs, he joined Bruce Arians’ Arizona Cardinals squad for the 2014 and 2015 campaigns, playing and starting in 26 games for a 24 win team during his stay.
Larsen then bookended two seasons with the Chicago Bears in 2016 and 2019 with two as a part of the Miami Dolphins (2017-2018) between them.
The now 33-year old veteran has ties to the Bucs and head coach Bruce Arians, but also with quarterback, Tom Brady. While he didn’t last long with the franchise, Larsen began his NFL career with the New England Patriots as a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Adding Larsen will bring more veteran experience as well as a working knowledge of the Buccaneers offense stemming from his time with the Cardinals. Another interior offensive lineman with similar traits was A.Q. Shipley who gave the offensive lineman a short-lived boost following the concussion suffered by guard Ali Marpet, after he started in place of Joe Haeg who had struggled in his attempt at filling in at guard.
The play of Shipley shifted center Ryan Jensen to the vacant guard spot, but a career ending injury in Week 11 left a hole in the depth of the Buccaneers offensive line even after Marpet returned to action against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Larsen’s experience at all three interior offensive line spots plus his familiarity with the scheme, this is a solid veteran signing all involved hope to not have to see in action as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue their pursuit of post-season football for the first time since before the 33-year old Larsen was even in the NFL.
What are your thoughts on the return of offensive lineman Ted Larsen? Let us know in the comment section, and stay tuned to Bucs Nation as we continue our coverage of the Bucs coming out of the bye week at towards Week 14!