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Bucs start with two top reserves injured

 
Published Aug. 1, 2015

TAMPA — The Bucs open training camp with two top reserves sidelined by injuries. DT Akeem Spence is out with a back injury, and WR Louis Murphy is out with an ankle injury.

The team placed Spence on the physically unable to perform list Friday. Murphy is on the nonfootball injury list. Both still count toward the 90-player roster limit and can be moved to the active roster when they're deemed healthy.

Coach Lovie Smith called the injury to Murphy, a former Lakewood High and Gators star competing to be the No. 3 receiver, a "freak accident." He did not elaborate on a timetable for either player's return.

Spence's injury helps explain why the team opted to re-sign DT Da'Quan Bowers this week after he had gone unsigned as a free agent for four months. Spence, 23, had 37 tackles last season, working as the No. 3 defensive tackle behind starters Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald. He likely is the fourth tackle this year with the signing of veteran Henry Melton.

Murphy, 28, had 31 catches for 380 yards and two touchdowns last season, settling in near his hometown after playing for four teams in four seasons. He'll compete with rookie Kenny Bell to be the No. 3 receiver and a complement to starters Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.

ARRIVED: Without much fanfare — some players arriving as the sun was rising — the team reported for the start of training camp at One Buc Place, optimistic about improving on a 2-14 record last season.

A year ago, McCoy was jovial when he arrived at camp, doing interviews in a bathrobe, but Friday he barely spoke as he reported. Same for rookie QB Jameis Winston, who like McCoy was expected to speak after today's first practice.

Two players hopeful of signing contract extensions reported as promised. OT Demar Dotson and LB Lavonte David filed in with the rest of their teammates.

Evans, in his second year, said he is lighter at under 230 pounds and expects to be faster.

"I've got high expectations. I want to be one of the best receivers in the game," he said. "I'm excited to be back, excited to get the team started. Last year I think we were the best 2-14 team ever."

The first practice is 2:30-5 p.m. today, the first of 11 practices open to the public. The first preseason game is Aug. 15 at Minnesota. The Bucs open the regular season at home against the Titans on Sept. 13.

Contact Greg Auman at gauman@tampabay.com and at (813) 226-3346.