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Bucs may have LB Foster back against the Ravens

 
If Mason Foster is able to play Sunday against the Ravens it would be a huge boost for the Bucs defense, which has struggled in his absence.
If Mason Foster is able to play Sunday against the Ravens it would be a huge boost for the Bucs defense, which has struggled in his absence.
Published Oct. 8, 2014

Mason Foster said he will be in pads and cleared for contact at practice today for the first time since dislocating his left shoulder in Week 2 vs. the St. Louis Rams.

Foster, the Bucs' starting middle linebacker, said a lot will depend on how the shoulder responds to contact as well as his improved range of motion. If Foster is able to play Sunday againt the Ravens it would be a huge boost for the Bucs defense, which has struggled in his absence.

"It feels good,'' Foster said. "We'll see how it goes.''

Safety Dashon Goldson missed Sunday's game at New Orleans with an ankle injury. But he was walking at One Buc Place Wednesday without the use of a protective boot.

Foster was replaced at middle linebacker Dane Fletcher. But last Sunday at New Orleans, the Bucs utilized Lavonte David and Danny Lansanah in nickel passing situations. As a result, David made all the defensive calls instead of Fletcher.

David said he's prepared to quarterbback the defense if need be against the Ravens.

"We've got Mason Foster back, so I hope not,'' David said. "But if it comes down to it, it's not a problem.''