Carl Nicks And The Bucs
July 24th, 2014
Bucs GM Jason Licht spoke about the status of G Carl Nicks yesterday.
Yes, the subject of the week is Carl Nicks and that ugly toe of his. This even seemed to surpass the fact the Bucs were reporting for training camp.
Yesterday, after his town hall meeting hosted by Joe’s good friend, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, heard live on WDAE-AM 620 and held before a studio audience at Clear Channel Tampa headquarters, Licht spoke to reporters about Nicks’ status.
“He’s been doing everything he is supposed to be doing,” Licht said. “He wanted to get out there. It is a process there. We don’t want to do anything too quick with him and we want to make sure we are making a decision that is best for him and best for us. It is a marathon, not a race with him.”
Joe asked Licht if there was a specific date or deadline where, if Nicks can’t go, the Bucs will have to look at other options and perhaps turn the page. Licht said there was no such deadline.
“Not right now,” Licht said. “We have been getting ready for any option that comes our way. We are not relying on anything so we are ready for any option that comes our way.”
Now Joe was told last week from a trusted Bucs source that Nicks has been running this summer in an effort to prepare for training camp, which is good news. Baby steps here, you know? Nicks hadn’t run yet when June minicamp ended.
Basically, whether Nicks can go or not, it comes down to a pain tolerance issue. When Nicks first had the nasty turf toe – Joe saw that toe two years ago just before Nicks was placed on injured reserve and it was freaking gross! – he told Joe and other Tampa area pen and mic club types that he would have to live with pain the rest of his life.
It comes down to how much pain can Nicks stomach.
Nicks was unavailable this morning when the Bucs reported for training camp at One Buc Palace.
July 24th, 2014 at 9:41 am
regardless of his playing status, I hope the dude recovers enough to have no serious long-term issues. A little pain or limp or whatever is one thing, but it could have been much much worse with MRSA and everything else around the main injury which itself could be career ending and has been to lots of dudes.
July 24th, 2014 at 9:52 am
Joe,
Does money have anything to do with this situation? Will the Bucs save some money sending him to PUP later on? Or cutting him after a certain date? I’ll be shock to see him playing this year. I hope I’m wrong…
July 24th, 2014 at 10:00 am
I wish him well. This is not at all like Cheeseburger Bowers laziness. Nicks is not at fault at all. But at this point, I think most Bucs fans have already moved on.
July 24th, 2014 at 10:02 am
Well, if Nicks had a cheap contract, there may have been an injury settlement, but that is speculation.
Evan at 80 percent, Nicks is still better than most guards.
July 24th, 2014 at 10:10 am
I wish him the best.
July 24th, 2014 at 10:11 am
Ah, the famous, no timeline deal.
Could be another dream season for Carl Nicks and Sgt. Hulka, aka The Big Toe…….fishing, relaxing, watching games on Sunday and still getting his enormous salary!
Great work if you can get it.
July 24th, 2014 at 10:13 am
I’m not expecting him to be 100% and play 10+ games. I wish we had a better plan b if he can’t go.
However, he he does and the oline stays healthy that would be a HUGE positive.
July 24th, 2014 at 10:42 am
The Bucs DO have a Plan B
It just is an Unknown entity
rather than the ProBowler Nicks
July 24th, 2014 at 10:46 am
Just because Nicks comes back doesn’t mean that he can still play at a high level. He and his toe been through a lot and he’s missed 2 years of training. I wish him the best
July 24th, 2014 at 11:00 am
Any fan counting on him is smoking crack.
July 24th, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Have a nice retirement Carl, nobody is holding their breath and if they were they’re long dead by now.