“That’s Not A Great Situation”
August 20th, 2013
The Bucs are bursting with healthy running back talent, but the opposite is true at fullback. Greg Schiano talked fullbacks today.
Starting fullback Erik Lorig is walking around with one foot in a boot and hasn’t done a lot on the field this summer.
Another veteran fullback on the Bucs roster, Spencer Larsen, practiced today but is banged up and isn’t “full go,” per Schiano.
Veratile Brian Leonard? He has played very little fullback since he was 15 pounds heavier in college and blocked for Rutgers legend Ray Rice, so Leonard told Joe today.
All of the above is a big reason Bucs fans saw Tom Crabtree and other tight ends in the backfield last week. Greg Schiano said that’s not the goal.
“That’s not a great situation right now,” Schiano said today of the fullback position.
Crabtree told Joe he lined up at fullback at times in Green Bay, so it’s not a new position for him.
Joe’s unsure how the Bucs answer their fullback questions. If Lorig isn’t healthy, Larsen really has a shot to make the team if he can get on the field and impress in Miami on Saturday.
August 20th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Too bad Vonta is no longer available..
August 20th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
All these injuries are piling up. Hope they can get them better in 3 weeks.
August 20th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Judging from all the ACL tears, etc. around the league…we’re in pretty good shape. I think Joseph going down in the pre-season last year spooked Schiano from playing starters any length of time prior to the third game. We’ll see how that move pans out. Fine line between staying healthy and getting prepared.
August 20th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
Lorig may be destined for the PUP. Not good.
August 20th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Bobby
I agree, we have been fortunate, thus far, with injuries.
I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Leonard and Doug on the field at the same time as FB and HB though. Leonard is a legitimate threat to run the ball out of the FB position. He may not be a great blocker but he would make up for it as running/receiving threat that the defense would have to keep track of. I could see a fake FB run then flick it out to Doug to get around the corner.
Man, the season just can’t get here fast enough.
August 20th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Curious that Hillis is not pressed into FB duty in the interim now that Leonard is underweight.
Either he’s going to be the primary backup to Martin or just gone. Not sure.
Im certain we can pick up a serviceable FA… who will know nothing about the playbook. Sigh
August 20th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
This is obviously Freeman’s fault too. Start Glennon!
August 20th, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Pick up John Connor if he is cut from his te