Carl Nicks May Have Toe Issue All 2013

August 7th, 2013

A major concern for the 2013 Bucs is the tender toe of Bucs stud left guard Carl Nicks. The roadgrader had a shortened 2012 due to an ugly, gross-looking turf toe injury that required surgery.

After being spotted with a “heavily bandaged” toe when he reported for training camp, Nicks has had limited practice time, though he logged quite a few plays Monday.

Initially, the Bucs waved off concern saying the bandage was “precautionary.” Schiano had a more cautionary tone Monday, saying this could be a season-long issue, noting Nicks was in “discomfort” on the field.

“Well, guys, when you have certain surgeries, sometimes it never goes back,” Schiano said. “Just like us, right? I mean something’s fixed, it’s fixed, but it may never feel as good as new. They tell you it’s going to, but in this case I think Carl’s going to always play with some discomfort but that’s life being in the NFL.”

Asked to clarify his comments Tuesday after Nicks did not practice as much during 11-on-11 drills, Schiano insisted Nicks didn’t take a step back.

“No, not a setback,” Schiano said. “He went really pretty hard yesterday. I think we all would have been shocked if he wasn’t sore. That’s the first time he’s done that since November, October, whatever it was. You anticipate when you go that much that it’s going to be sore the next day, but the good thing is he gets to condition all during that rehabbing condition. That’s one of those things we need to do. We need to get in better cardiovascular shape when you’re coming off something like that. Now, there’s no substitute for playing football, don’t get me wrong, but I think a good mix for him is going to be perfect.”

Now Joe has no clue if Nicks will have another toe-shortened season again, or if his play will be hampered by this nasty toe. But this is an issue that bears monitoring. Nicks is a key element of what could become the best offensive line in the NFL.

All of Schiano’s remarks yesterday can be heard by clicking the button below, audio courtesy of Joe’s good friends at WDAE-AM 620.

43 Responses to “Carl Nicks May Have Toe Issue All 2013”

  1. BucsfaninChina Says:

    This has the rock star written all over it.

    (sarcasm)

  2. the_buc_realist Says:

    Very worried that Nicks will never be the Pro-bowler that he was in New-Orleans. I heard Ian saying yesterday that he should be a “sunday only player” while doing nothing during the week.

  3. Bucs4life Says:

    This blows. Ugh.

  4. CT Bucs Says:

    I never suggest this but it might be the best course of action. I think based upon what I am reading. Nicks should play limited snaps in the regular season. 60-70percent of the snaps. Give him timely drives off.

  5. robert Says:

    guess we know why NO let him walk.

  6. You go Joe Says:

    Robert they didn’t let him walk off because of that, he had that injury last season with us. He really wasn’t injured during his time in NO. Think before just implying.

  7. lightningbuc Says:

    Why is he even practicing? Send him home and tell him to come back in September!

  8. Dooleymite Says:

    Nicks will have to play with that pain, that said, this opens up an opportunity for Gabe Carimi if Nicks is unavailable at any point down the road. Carimi’s still defining his role as a Buc and we know how coach Bostad craves versatility from his charges. Some would say we have no depth on the OL, but this fan remembers how putrid the 2nd team OL was last offseason and how much better they were when needed due to injuries up front. That being said, it’s good to know we’ve got sound coaching to act as somewhat of a safety net when disaster strikes.

  9. snook Says:

    “May”???

    He’s done by week 6. Schiano is just getting everyone ready.

  10. Ian P. Says:

    CUT IT OFF. Nobody needs ten toes.

  11. robert Says:

    eggxactly snook.

    why could he not have had a questionable toe while in NO?

    How many players have we let walk that “were not previously injured”

    miller and bennet just this year…….oh and benn (no he did not have a torn acl, but they probably knew the knee was not 100%)

    I would not say release him, becauseonly the bucs have all the facts…….but to pay a guy TOP, TOP dollar and have him “maybe” suit up…and have it “may” be for only a few games…well kind of crazy.

    They have to be planning on the realistic chance of him not being able to go this year.

    and why did Schiano mention cardio???????? to me that says he’s been on the couch and coach is not happy.

  12. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    People, people…relax!

    Some of you panic far too easy. He’ll have some soreness for a few years, but that doesn’t mean it will ruin his career. He was the best at his position. At worse, he’ll still be above average.

    No need to panic. I’ve had injuries that I feel years later. There are ways to keep them from effectively limiting my life.

    Nicks is practicing because rehab does not get him into game shape. He has to learn to adjust to playing through that particular pain and the only way to do that is thru practice and game play.

    They are handling him right. He probably argued to get out there, and so they let him try a few practice plays. He got a little tight and so they pulled him. Not a big deal.

    It’s part of the process.

  13. the_buc_realist Says:

    when you are paid as an elite guard in the NFL. and you only play 5 games and limp thru another 1 1/2 games, then the same injury is still effecting said player, then it is time to start to panic!

  14. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    He got injured and the problem was fixed. The coaches, GM, players or the fans could not predict that injury. It’s football. It’s time to stop whining over it happening at all and focus on the future.

    And the future is Nicks return to health.

  15. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    And, I might add…it’s not our money. Sure, you might argue that fans buy tickets to games. But not nearly as many who claim to actually do, otherwise there would be no more blackouts.

  16. Joe Strummer Says:

    The show companies actually make special cleats for guys with turf-toe, it has a steel plate in the sole with a slight upturn in the toe-box to alleviate the pressure the toes take when pushing off, I’m sure Nicks already has them, reality is, he’ll never not be in pain from this injury, it is one injury that almost always results in lifetime issues.

  17. Alan Bucs Says:

    I definitely think it is too early to panic. He probably will have to play with the pain and come out a couple of series. This is not the end of the world if we are still getting arguably the best guard in the league. For so long people accused the Bucs of not taking risks and spending money to get better. This is how you do it! Every deal doesn’t work out (i.e. Eric Wright, Aqib Talib) but for everyone of those players we success stories like Mike Williams and Doug Martin.

  18. snook Says:

    Lets set up a pool on what week he goes on IR. I’ll take week 7.

  19. robert Says:

    sounds about right snook. maybe 6?

    he can probably hobble into the bye week. play the week when they come back….right about then it’ll probably be awe F it. he’s done.

  20. Couch Fan Says:

    What are you people talking about? lmao… Schiano said there was no set back and he went really hard yesterday.

    From that your predicting he’s on IR by week 7? Some of you need to learn to read… and maybe, re-read? and then… maybe re-read again?

  21. Couch Fan Says:

    Lol its actually sad you are predicting when one of our players is going to go on IR when there is no reason to think so at this point.

    Everything that is happening they had to of expected since Schiano specifically said there has been no set backs. I seriously doubt he would still be on the roster if they only thought he was going to be able to play 7 games. That is crazy stupid.

  22. snook Says:

    Couch fan: just be sure to show your face to eat crow when he doesnt finish the season. Its a looooooong NFL season. If he’s in pain already, the future isnt bright.

  23. Bobby Says:

    Wow! Another day at stupidity corner from the usual crowd. Nicks played games last year with half his friggin’ toe detached. I think he can play through some ‘discomfort’ in games this year. Some of you have a very high estrogen level.

  24. Couch Fan Says:

    Lol I’ll be here to eat “crow” as you say. But the fact you would take any pleasure in any of our players getting hurt says a lot about you.

  25. chris Says:

    I see Joseph and Nicks being limited in Preseason and practices all year to keep fresh. Dont see either suiting up til the 2nd or 3rd pre-season game.

    I remember reading this about Nicks. Not saying he can’t play with the discomfort, but sometimes, set backs can happen. Foot/Toe injuries are more painful than one may think.

  26. snook Says:

    Not taking pleasure in anyone getting hurt. Just being realistic. Try it sometime.

  27. IMiss#40 Says:

    Realism…some of you keep using that word…I do not think that it means what you think it means.

  28. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    I don’t know how it is “realistic” to expect a player on IR when the coaches don’t. Do you REALLY think they wouldn’t pickup a talented replacement if they were as sure as you are that Nicks will be out by week seven?

    Nothing like people labeling their pessimism as “realism”. Seems to be commonplace here.

  29. robert Says:

    ^^^ Gabe Camiri

  30. Buc1987 Says:

    “They tell you it’s going to, but in this case I think Carl’s going to always play with some discomfort but that’s life being in the NFL.”

    Could finish the season, then retire a rich man. Who knows? As for you posters of doom and gloom. You are the same ones that come in here and paint doom and gloom all the time. Oh no what about Revis, better be careful. Oh no Clayborn’s groin now we’re screwed. One went so far as to predict Revis will be a bust. As soon as a player gets so much as a hang nail, it’s panic time.

    Side note: I hope Glennon doesn’t sprain his ankle tommorow or roberts going to say the season is over for us.

  31. Buc1987 Says:

    Silly rhetoric is all it is. Even if he becomes a part-time player getting rest here and there, which is what I expect. MY Bucs will be fine. Martin ran wild with a bunch of clowns (that performed well) on the O-line last season. Calm down!

  32. Buc1987 Says:

    Oh and LMAO @ Bobby that shyte was hilarious high estrogen level.

  33. Buc Fan #238 Says:

    Martn’s numbers went down, Freeman had a bad stretch all when Carl Nicks went on the IR.

  34. Buc1987 Says:

    The sky is falling, the sky is falling. Woe is me.

  35. M.Bruno Says:

    Yeah, this isn’t good. When a man is THAT big, it makes a toe injury that much more problematic in regards to mobility and balance. I personally think this is worse than we are led to believe. Maybe he can keep the pain managed and finish the season. All that said, I seriously doubt he’ll ever be the same player we got from the Saints. I hope I’m wrong.

    On the bright side, our back-up G’s did pretty well last year when the 2 Pro-Bowlers went down.

  36. Buc1987 Says:

    No, not a setback,” Schiano said. “He went really pretty hard yesterday. I think we all would have been shocked if he wasn’t sore. That’s the first time he’s done that since November, October, whatever it was. You anticipate when you go that much that it’s going to be sore the next day, but the good thing is he gets to condition all during that rehabbing condition.

    1. What part of no, not a setback do you people not understand?
    2. Why would Schiano lie about it?
    3. Calm down.

  37. snook Says:

    Classic. You people bash others for knowing it all yet turn around and do the same.

    Time will tell. When he ends up on IR, it’ll be a blast to read the excuses.

    The Bucs obviously wouldn’t be so dumb to say, ” yeah, his toe is still injured. We’re looking into other options at LG.”

    This is a big deal folks. Hate to break it to you.

  38. Buc1987 Says:

    The Bucs obviously wouldn’t be so dumb to say, ” yeah, his toe is still injured. We’re looking into other options at LG.”

    Can you give us a reason for that comment? Or are you just going to leave it at?

  39. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    @snook

    So, “no, no setback” = “IR by week seven”.

    It certainly is more likely that Nicks is put on IR this season but to assure that it happens by week seven is just asinine. Players play through injuries, sometimes, for their entire career. Look at Matt Light, the guy played through Crohn’s disease his entire career.

    No one is saying it isn’t “a big deal” but you are predicting the opposite of what coaches are expecting and then labeling it as “realism”. Why in the world would the coaches have him practicing at all if they thought it would limit his availability for the season? (They wouldn’t, he would be getting the “Revis treatment”.) He is practicing on it now so he can get used to playing through the pain, hopefully, for the entire season.

  40. Couch Fan Says:

    ^^^ Exactly

    Not sure how Schiano says “no set back” after a hard practice in which Nicks participated in and people are giving Nicks til week 6 or 7 to be put on IR…

  41. Bucs34 Says:

    Man, I think we got duped by Nicks!

  42. TPCMatt Says:

    I’m not gonna panic, or call Schiano a liar. However, I specifically remember Schiano maling light of Nicks toe injury, last season at a PC. It was when the injury first occurred.

    Media- Will Carl be limited with his injury?
    Schiano- Limited? I mean, it’s a toe, he’s gonna be fine.

    Then the whole room bust into laughter. No one was laughing after he ended up on the IR. My point is, it is a serious problem, and no matter what Schiano says, no one knows how long he can play through the discomfort.

  43. TPCMatt Says:

    *making