Backup offensive tackles
It cannot be overstated how many injuries the Buccaneers have dealt with at offensive tackle so far in camp. Four tackles weren’t available against Miami alone.
Regardless of who goes down, the next player has stepped up and shined. Demar Dotson has been taken along slowly after he underwent surgery in the offseason and backup tackle Leonard Wester has sat out most of the practices thus far.
It has opened the door for players like Cole Gardner, Brad Seaton and Mike Liedtke. On paper, these names were nothing more than emergency tackles. Maybe one of them would sneak onto the roster.
Now, the Buccaneers may have a full-fledged battle on their hands. Gardner shined early in camp while Seaton and Liedtke performed admirably on Thursday night.
Tampa Bay’s newfound depth at tackle has been an unexpected bonus. Tampa now has some options if the injury bug were to strike in the regular season.