Battle Won: Bruce Arians gives early answer to key position battle

Protecting Tom Brady is a job coveted by every member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line room. Whether tackle, guard, or center, everyone wants the chance to play in front of the greatest quarterback of all time.

Last season, Alex Cappa got to do it for the most part as the team’s starting right guard. But an injury suffered early in the postseason gave way to his back-up, Aaron Stinnie, getting the honor.

Because of this, it was Stinnie on the field when the Bucs won Super Bowl LV, and a training camp roster battle ensued between the two interior linemen this August.

On Sunday, Arians announced Alex Cappa would indeed return as the team's starting right guard. Earned after a strong training camp, and preseason performances.

High grades will earn you a starting job, and from Arians’ quote from Scott Smith (Senior Writer and Editor) of Buccaneers.com, Cappa certainly proved his value this summer.

Speaking with media on Sunday, Arians also pointed out cornerback Dee Delaney as a player who helped himself tremendously during Saturday’s win over the Houston Texans.

The cornerback’s two interceptions in the game may not guarantee a spot, but it’s certainly earned him some attention, making it harder to let him go on waivers at this point.

In another bit of good news, the Buccaneers head coach is also, “very hopeful”, safety Jordan Whitehead will be healthy enough to join the team for their Week 1 contest against the Dallas Cowboys on September 9th.

Due to Whitehead's health issues during the preseason, defensive back Ross Cockrell has become a star himself, earning high praise for his versatility and ability to step up when the team needed him to branch outside his cornerback roots.

Having a weapon like Cockrell in the depth chart will help no matter what, but there’s no denying the advantage having both he and Whitehead healthy to start the year would give to the Bucs.

Good news on Sunday for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who closed out the preseason with a win, and are getting healthier at the same time.