Expect Gabe Carimi At Left Guard
September 8th, 2013
Barring something incredibly unforeseen overnight (Joe is typing this at 1 a.m. Sunday), Joe would be shocked if All-Pro guard Carl Nicks takes the field for the Bucs today against the Jets.
Nicks, as we all know, is dealing with a nasty turf toe that he said he will have to deal with the rest of his life. Then throw in a bout of MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant infection, and Joe just cannot believe Nicks would be in football shape to take any snaps under any circumstances.
Nicks did not take any snaps in practice this week, but Bucs commander Greg Schiano took part in a bit of (futile) gamesmanship Friday discussing who may play left guard when the NFL season kicks off this afternoon.
“[Carimi has] the most reps [at left guard],” Schiano said. “There are others guys that could [start at left guard]. So we’ll kind of play that one by ear, still. I want to meet with the staff today and make a – we said at the beginning of the week that we would make a final decision on Friday. I want to watch the tape from today and have a good discussion about that, because plenty of guys got good reps at that left guard spot, but he got the most so that’s where we’re leaning. We just want to see and make sure.”
Again, Joe just cannot take Schiano seriously when he even attempts to float the notion Nicks may play. That’s virtually impossible, especially since he hasn’t practiced. The thing with Carimi though, in preseason and training camp, he has blocked on running plays pretty well. On pass plays, not so well.
This will be something to monitor today, how well the pass protection is for Bucs franchise quarterback Josh Freeman’s blind side.
September 8th, 2013 at 1:36 am
He best pass protect, because the Jets will be coming after Freeman all day, count on it.
We must establish a running game quickly, because if the Jets make us one dimensional, they will pin their ears back, and come after Josh.
And we all know what happens then.
September 8th, 2013 at 2:17 am
Yes, it would be surprising if Nicks played, considering he didn’t even fly to New Jersey with the team.
Also, he does not have “turf toe,” he has a torn plantar plate.
September 8th, 2013 at 2:18 am
Joe, the Bucs announced at 7:30 last night that Nicks stayed in Tampa. Unless he is playing Madden, you can feel safe guaranteeing 100% he won’t play.
September 8th, 2013 at 2:21 am
OnLy about 10hours left! So excited I can’t sleep! Go Bucs!
September 8th, 2013 at 2:30 am
10 hours left! I can’t sleep I am so excited!
September 8th, 2013 at 2:43 am
@ Joe
Turf toe is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint. While turf toe and a plantar plate rupture might both result in an incredibly hideous-looking big toe, they are not the same thing.
Jock itch, crabs, and any number of venereal diseases might make your balls itch. But they are not the same thing.
My testicles might resemble the Nonna Fusco’s tomato-braised meatballs that you might enjoy at the Meadowlands today. Still, though, they are not the same thing.
September 8th, 2013 at 4:42 am
Expect some roll-outs to the right!
September 8th, 2013 at 6:08 am
Nicks injury has nothing to do with his toe now. It’s the infection he got from Tynes. 😉
Joe says
“The thing with Carimi though, in preseason and training camp, he has blocked on running plays pretty well. On pass plays, not so well.”
With revolving door Larsen in as well this could be a huge problem. Doug Martin won’t get much done either with 8 in the box.
But of course…the Glennon Mob with insist Freeman is holding onto the ball too long if he keeps getting sacked.
September 8th, 2013 at 6:15 am
Josh Freeman is no franchise quarterback. He sux.’
September 8th, 2013 at 6:35 am
Now that was funny Illuminati. Nice that someone brings a little humor to this mostly woeful group.
September 8th, 2013 at 7:17 am
JF6P holds onto the ball too long? Who knew?
Signed,
Warren Moon
Fran Tarkenton
Boomer Eaisison
Mike Sullivan
Carl Nicks
Jeremy Zuttah
Donald Penn
Demar Dotson
Davin Joseph
Greg Schiano
Malcolm Glazer
Ronde Barber
Adam Schien
Mother Teresa
Cub Scout Den #521 Peoria, IL
LeGaratte Blount
Biff Barker
Vincent Jackson
Tiquan “Ima Gone” Underwood
Uncle Fester
Scooby Doo
Astro Jetson
Captain James T Kirk(ret)
September 8th, 2013 at 7:29 am
A “shoeless/sockless” Carl Nicks might be effective today with opposing players trying to avoid him….but unless he has a private plane lined up to take him to the game…I don’t think we will see him.
And…its a bit early to be reading about itchy balls…
So, Illuminati, you have some experience with that?
September 8th, 2013 at 7:44 am
Relqx, be happy joe wrote you an article at 1 am. The important thing is who is playing.
September 8th, 2013 at 7:50 am
maybe Carl should drop a few hundred pounds, then his dawgs wont be barking all the time!!
September 8th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Makes sense if Carimi is the better run blocker, get him in there to establish the run.
September 8th, 2013 at 9:13 am
But of course…the Glennon Mob with insist Freeman is holding onto the ball too long if he keeps getting sacked.
————————
and of course the freemanites will use every excuse at there avail to dismiss free of any wrong doings.
September 8th, 2013 at 10:32 am
Since Nicks didn’t even travel to New York isn’t this article a waste of time????