Any hope durable Kevin Carter might return to bolster the Bucs’ defensive line seems gone.

Not only did Carter visit with the Lions earlier this week, Bucs GM Mark Dominik talked about him in past tense in a feature on Buccaneers.com

“Out of respect to Kevin Carter, he’s a fine football player,” said Dominik. “But this gives the opportunity for Kyle Moore and Jimmy Wilkerson to step into a role, an opportunity for them to play not only for 2009 but for the future, and who’s going to be our left end in 2010 and 2011? This opportunity is now in front of them and we’re looking forward to them taking advantage of it. I think that will happen, hopefully, at linebacker, cornerback, defensive line; we’re looking for it on offense, too.”

Up in Detroit, new coach Jim Schwartz thinks Carter is still starter quality.

Schwartz said he’d likely use Carter at left defensive end on first and second downs, and as an inside pass rusher on third downs in nickel passing situations.

Joe is sure the Bucs have gotten younger. But better? That’s the big question.