National

Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen out a couple of months with knee injury

By Chris Cwik

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Los Angeles Rams v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Ryan Jensen #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

By Chris Cwik

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is going to be without a crucial offensive player for at least a few weeks. Center Ryan Jensen is expected to be out "a couple of months" after sustaining a knee injury during practice Thursday.

[Set, hut, hike! Create or join a fantasy football league now!]

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said the team doesn't have an official diagnosis yet, but expects to lose Jensen for some time. Jensen "won't be back anytime soon," per Bowles.

Tests are still being performed to determine the severity of the injury. Bowles mentioned the possibility Jensen could return late in the season, but that depends on what doctors find in his knee.

How can the Buccaneers replace Ryan Jensen?

Jensen turned himself into a crucial player with the Buccaneers the past five seasons. He's started every regular season game with the team since joining the Bucs in 2017. Jensen's performance was finally recognized last season, when he made his first Pro Bowl.

Jensen may not have been a household name until last season, but any player who interacts with Brady every single play is a significant loss for the Bucs. The team could opt to replace Jensen internally or could look to bring in a free agent.

Former Cleveland Browns center J.C. Tretter is still available.

Tretter, 31, played in 16 games with the Browns last season. He still has plenty of ability, grading out well in Pro Football Focus' numbers.

Most Read