Sort Of Cleared

July 28th, 2018

Cleared but limited.

As the Bucs march onto the practice fields behind One Buc Palace this morning — just a few short minutes ago — they were joined by right tackle Demar Dotson, who missed the final five games of the last season with a knee injury.

Dotson had minor knee surgery prior to underwear football season just about six weeks after he told the “Ira Kaufman Podcast” he was given a green light for all football activities.

Dotson has been given another green light by Bucs doctors to resume full football activities but Dirk Koetter is taking it slow with Dotson, who will be 33 in October.

“Right now we’re holding him out of 11-on-11,” Koetter said. “Just as he eases back in – he missed OTAs – as he’s easing back into on-the-field work. When we go 11-on-11, even though we’re trying to stay on our feet there is bodies on the ground. Part of coming back from an injury is just getting your confidence back. We expect everything to be fine with Dot, if there’s no surprises.”

Joe spoke with Dotson about the same time as Koetter was speaking with other reporters. Dotson told Joe about the same thing as Koetter, that he is fine and full-go.

Of course, with Dotson being in his 10th season, the key with him isn’t technique, it’s staying healthy. The goal is him on the field in New Orleans in September, not getting beat on by some piece of camp meat in July.

8 Responses to “Sort Of Cleared”

  1. Easy Says:

    Yup Dot needs to be limited till the season starts. He’s a top RT in this league and I’d rather see him on the field in NO than Alex Cappa or Cole Gardner.

  2. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    He’s probably one of my favorite players on the team cause he’s so candid and honest on the radio and interviews….

    I hope he’ll play well this year

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Give him the Kellen Winslow treatment but make sure he stays away from Target parking lots….

  4. Defense Rules Says:

    Last 3 years haven’t been especially good injury-wise to Dots (30 games played in with 27 started). For Koetter to take it slow with him right now is very smart IMO because it not only lets Dots get back into it at a decent pace, but it’ll also give Koetter a chance to see what other potential guys he’s got to play RT. Still hoping we grab an experienced OLineman who can play tackle as well as guard. Injuries are just a fact of life in the NFL, and solid depth makes all the difference IMO.

  5. Buc1987 Says:

    This guy?

    The right side of the turnstile?

    Phew…..stay healthy…I was worried!

  6. Bird Says:

    I agree . Give him the joey Galloway treatment now

    He is an above average right tackle that they are paying a reasonable price for ..

    Let him do some stuff at practice but no need to kill him. Although he will want to go full boar cause Alex kappa wants some playing time. And that’s how you get replaced in this league

  7. stpetebucsfan Says:

    Dot has always impressed me as a good dude…excellent teammate..and hard worker. Whatever talent limit he may have, he’s worked hard to compensate.

    He’s an easy guy to root for so I hope he’s truly healthy.

  8. Pickgrin Says:

    We need ya big Dot. Stay healthy