Carl Nicks Not Yet Ruled Out
August 26th, 2013
Last week it was learned that Bucs guard Carl Nicks came down with MRSA in his foot, a dangerous staph infection that can be deady.
This, on the heels (pun intended) of Nicks still hobbled by his surgically-unrepaired turf toe, which likely will never be 100 percent.
Joe was hospitalized with staph infection to his foot and leg. It’s ugly; it’s painful; it’s not fun and it takes a couple of weeks to be back to 100 percent. With the Bucs season opener less than two weeks away, it seems Nicks playing in the season opener is really not in the cards.
But that’s not Bucs commander Greg Schiano is saying. Per cool cat Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, Schiano is putting his toe in the water to gauge whether Nicks, indeed, can play in Gotham against the Jets.
NICKS IN NEW YORK? Schiano refused to rule out G Carl Nicks (MRSA infection) for the Sept. 8 season opener at the Jets.
Nicks, whose left foot infection followed season-ending surgery on his left big toe in November, recently practiced three days in Foxborough, Mass. He hasn’t appeared in a game.
“I think there’s too much time still before we can (rule Nicks out),” Schiano said.
It’s difficult for Joe to believe Nicks will play in New Jersey on the second Sunday of September. Not just because of the MRSA, which is a hardcore infection, but just for the simple fact that Nicks hasn’t practiced in how long? Nicks can’t be in decent shape at this point.
Joe just has a hunch Schiano would want Nicks to be in some kind of football shape to throw him out there on the field. Just what kind of shape can he be in after being hobbled not just by MRSA but also by his nagging toe?
August 26th, 2013 at 11:07 am
throw him to the wolves, he’s done here anyway
August 26th, 2013 at 11:26 am
Joe, I think this is just schiano taking a page out of his mentor’s book. We all know there is a very good chance Nicks is not playing – but I like this play.. always thought coach shared too much on our injury front.
August 26th, 2013 at 11:28 am
Again, I think you’re right on. It seems Schiano is doing some wishful thinking out loud. Nicks maybe healed enough but no way will he be physically ready.
The Steelers just released an UFA OT/OG Mike Farrell from Penn State who went undrafted but played very well for the Nittany Lions in his senior year.
He couldn’t crack their lineup but the Steelers are stacked on the offensive line. They should give this guy a look or at least start bringing in some other players. They can’t be satisfied with not having an immediate backup, who’s ready to start full time, if need be, for the o-line and d-line.
Carimi did not look good at guard and Penn is showing signs of age.
I’m sure that is their plan but it is just a thought they sign a few more now to evaluate in the last preseason game. J.M.O.
August 26th, 2013 at 11:29 am
“Toe on the line”
August 26th, 2013 at 11:42 am
The Coach has to say that Nicks is a possible start, evenif he is not.That might keep the Jets from game planning to blitz up the middle all game long.
August 26th, 2013 at 11:46 am
So the Jets can prepare for a guy playing at, what, 30 percent? 🙁
August 26th, 2013 at 11:49 am
The Steelers offensive line is a trainwreck. If he couldn’t get past the 75-man roster list with the Steelers, he’s CFL material. Maybe.
August 26th, 2013 at 11:58 am
I’d take a hobbled Nicks over what I saw Saturday. Blech.
August 26th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
At least I’m thinking outside the box. I only know that when Farrell played last year in college he had a great year. Does that mean he’s NFL talented? I don’t know. But with the problems were having with starting material backups we need to make some moves to shore up our deficiencies, and we are coming up on the last game to evaluate outside players in game day conditions.
August 26th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
I don’t think he missed any games with the Aint’s. This is really bad luck I guess. When healthy he is immovable but who knows now with a bad foot. We need to draft some offensive linemen eventually. If Penn can’t play at a high level, our offense is screwed.
August 26th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@Joe
Alot of ppl are saying it would take roughly a month? So when should we realistically see Carl Nicks? Week 2 or Week 3…?
Obviously if there arn’t anymore set backs
August 26th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
REMINDER: HOFer Jonathan Ogden’s Career ended because of a nagging toe injury. The Bucs are paying Nicks a Boatload of loot to lolligag around with a Bum toe.
It is becoming clear that the Bucs “College Regime” has been woefully negligent regarding personnel moves to ensure depth in the trenches.
That 3rd rnd selection of a QB is looking very foolish or Schiano is planning to place his future in the hands of Glennon next season. How is Josh suppose to have a breakout season ducking unblocked blitzers…..HE WILL BE RUNNING FOR HIS LIFE {Litterally}
August 26th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
if theres an unblocked blitzer there should be someone open to throw to. that is if they can read a D and see the pressure and who’s gonna be free.
but that QB won’t be starting for a few weeks.
August 26th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Dennis:
An educated guess is out a month which would mean he may be ready against the Saints, but again, that is really a guess. Depends how quick the Bucs caught the infection, how Nicks is responding to treatment, how quick he can get in football shape, etc.
August 26th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
RBell:
That’s cool you are thinking outside the box and props for doing so! Just didn’t follow through with your premise. It was a good premise but the Steelers are (again) injury-riddled up front which tells Joe Farrell wasn’t much use.