Lovie Pumped For Mike Jenkins’ Return

August 29th, 2014

jenkinsCornerback Mike Jenkins has been roaming around Bucs practice and game sidelines for 30 days with a floppy fat instead of a helmet.

Amazingly, Lovie Smith is still super high on him and said so today at One Buc Palace.

Lovie said Jenkins and others in his boat (Da’Quan Bowers?) have been staying in the game mentally, and Lovie was pumped to get a helmet back on Jenkins next week.

“It’s looking good for him,” Lovie said of Jenkins. “We realize how much he’s missed. We’re anxious to get him back on the practice field. Mondays’ practice will be pretty big for us.”

Of Jenkins and other healed Bucs, Lovie said the missed time could be a blessing.

“He’s fresh and ready to go. So we’ll get the best of him,” Lovie said. “He should be able to last through the season the season a lot longer, the wear and tear he didn’t go through with the grueling training camp.”

Joe just doesn’t get the excitement for Jenkins as a potential starter. He hasn’t been good in a long time, and Johnthan Banks is a young talent on the rise. Hopefully, Lovie is on the money and Jenkins will surprise Bucs fans with standout play.

 

17 Responses to “Lovie Pumped For Mike Jenkins’ Return”

  1. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    Dominik might know knees, but Lovie knows DB’s. I’ll take his word for it when it comes to Jenkins.

  2. Leon Says:

    Would definitely be ridiculous to bench Banks in favor of Jenkins, but who knows Barth just got cut..

  3. dan Says:

    I agree with Joe (for a change) banks has looked good!

  4. Macabee Says:

    What???30 days with a floppy fat instead of a helmet. Sounds like a guy stranded in a house of ill repute with no condoms and in need of Viagra. lol.

    (Sorry Joe, couldn’t resist!)

  5. Harry Says:

    I was assuming Jenkins would be the nickel back, no? I know Lovie feels like that is a “starter” position. I would be shocked if Lovie puts Jenkins in ahead of Banks. Banks has been playing great.

  6. Bill Says:

    He provides proven depth. That is something new to the Bucs.

  7. Uncle Albert Says:

    I agree with the above posts, if Lovie benches Banks in favor of Jenkins that would just be unfathomable. Banks has played extremely well and is clearly the future at that 2nd CB spot.

  8. Dewey Selmon Says:

    Your last paragraph sums it up. I’ve never been impressed with Nicks Jr. And now to replace Banks? A Verner/Banks/ Johnson(nickel) Nicks jr is depth.

  9. buc4lyfe Says:

    12 starter lovie and if you hope to win more than 4 games please send Leonard Johnson on the bench. I remember schianos first year, #1 rush defense so we got destroyed in the pass game

  10. bigpoppabuc Says:

    That’s my thought, too, Harry. I think Jenkins will be our starting nickel.

  11. teacherman777 Says:

    Leonard Johnson was our starting nickle last year, and Drew brees and smart saints attacked him all day long.

    I love leonard as our 6th CB, but hate him as our 3rd.

    Leonard is awesome on special teams. He looks even stronger and faster than last year. He doesnt party, drink toxic alcool or waste his time.

    Leonard Johnson studies all night. Eats right and works his tail off.

    i just dont want to see him starting for us.

    But I think he may the best #6 CB in the NFL. For real.

  12. Tom Says:

    I don’t follow the reasoning that the injury kept him fresh. Isn’t being injured the exact opposite of fresh? Is that not part of the wear and tear of training camp?

  13. David 54 Says:

    Could there be a package with three corners and a nickel?

  14. knucknbuc Says:

    Lol how many #6 cbs do you know? Haha

  15. BirdDoggers Says:

    Banks has done a good job and looks like the better player. Jenkins has never been a consistent player and he’s been out for several weeks, but he’s favored? Hmm.

  16. phattitudes Says:

    I write a blog. People can’t wait for my next post. I know more than the coach.

  17. Legarrettes Blunt Says:

    The fact is that Leslie and Lovie have talked about Jenkins starting the whole offseason. I think Banks will start week 1 because Mike Jenkins won’t be in shape to start right away, but don’t be surprised to see Jenkins take that spot from him down the road.