TAMPA ― The Bucs know they will have a tough time blocking Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the league’s leading pass rusher from a year ago.
But that job would be even tougher without center Ryan Jensen.
Fortunately for the Bucs, Jensen returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two workouts with a back injury. Receiver Chris Godwin, who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a hip injury, also was also working during the portion open to the media Friday.
"They were moving around okay,'' Arians said. "It looks like they’re going to be all right.''
Arians said both will be game-time decisions.
It’s hard to understate how important having Jensen in the lineup will be Sunday against Donald, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Tampa Bay’s other option was to start veteran Earl Watford, who has worked in Jensen’s place at center in practice all week.
"He’s able to disrupt plays,'' guard Ali Marpet said of Donald. "He’s a really good player. He’s definitely got a great first step. He’s good with his hands. One of the reasons why he’s so good is he’s got a lot of different pass rushes.''
The only players who appear to be out at this point for Sunday’s game in Los Angeles are linebacker Devin White (knee) and cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle). We will update when the official injury reports are released later today.
"Both are making good progress,'' coach Bruce Arians said. "Hope to have them back next week. Everybody else will be game time decisions, the guys who did participate today.''