Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Orion Stewart exits practice with injury

Injuries are always a part of the game of football, but nonetheless saddening. Safety Orion Stewart was carted off the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers strapped on the pads for the first time yesterday, and it appears the injury bug is striking early. Left tackle Donovan Smith did not practice yesterday as he is healing up from a minor injury, another player left practice with an injury.

Safety Orion Stewart was carted off the field after battling for the ball downfield with tight end Cameron Brate; he fell to the ground clutching his knee, visibly writhing in pain. No updates have been offered on Stewart, who got another shot in the NFL with the Buccaneers after playing in the short-lived Alliance of American Football.

With the San Antonio Commodores in the shortened AAF season, Stewart recorded 15 solo tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions. He had previously been given a chance in the league with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and with Washington as an undrafted free agent out of Baylor back in 2016.

While Stewart remained a long shot to make the Buccaneers’ final 53-man roster, this was his chance back in the NFL, and hopefully that opportunity is not cut short here as it is always sad to see a comeback chance cut short due to an injury. In a deep safety group, Stewart was going to need every rep he could get as he battles the likes of Jordan Whitehead, M.J. Stewart, and Kentrell Brice for a roster spot.

The Pewter Plank wishes Stewart a speedy recovery and hope that he avoided any major injury from yesterday’s practice.