Ryan Jensen Returning At Guard?
December 30th, 2022
Joe loves the fire that must have been ignited under center Robert Hainsey this week.
Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen returned to practice after five months of rehabbing a blown knee in training camp, and there’s excitement about Jensen getting back on the field for the playoffs.
Imagine being Hainsey. You’ve built a relationship with Tom Brady, become a durable fixture and leader on the offensive line, and now teammates are excited by the prospect of you losing your job.
Think about that, and then think about how Hainsey will come out Sunday (or should) against the Panthers, playing for his career and with his hair on fire. Joe would be all jacked up in Hainsey’s shoes.
This brings Joe to a reminder that Jensen played left guard during the Super Bowl season when Ali Marpet was lost with a concussion. Former Bucs center A.Q. Shipley was a backup who filled in for Jensen as he slid into Marpet’s spot.
Joe heard from a trusted source yesterday to not rule out Jensen playing left guard if he can return for the playoffs, as guard is potentially less stressful than center on Jensen’s healing knee for a variety of in-game reasons.
It’s an intriguing thought, and Joe likes how that potentially adds more fire to the mind of Nick Leverett, the current left guard.
Competition, real or perceived, should always be a good thing.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:41 am
He will probably beat up leftwitch and get cut
December 30th, 2022 at 10:47 am
LOVE the idea of getting Ryan back for the playoffs.
Prior to Wells going down. I felt like we had just enough to make the line work for a postseason run.
NOW, we need Ryan to come back. EVEN if it is just as a backup!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 10:53 am
Pity he can’t play left tackle
December 30th, 2022 at 10:57 am
I’m wondering with the potential depth next year if Goedeke will be moved to tackle…..even as a backup…….Doubt Stinnie will be resigned.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:02 am
I am all for any way we can get Jensen back on the field for us.
Ryan Jensen is not only physical, he is a certified bad azz!
He is an accomplished Martial Artist, and both him and his entire family are totally into competing in Martial Art Tournaments.
Imagine walking into a Bar with a friend that can kick anyone in the Bar’s butt ?
That is what it is like for our offensive line when Ryan Jensen is on the field.
He gives our Line swagger!
December 30th, 2022 at 11:03 am
Playoffs?!?!? Lol. Ahead of ourselves I see
December 30th, 2022 at 11:08 am
@ Beej
I agree and I don’t think it is that crazy of a suggestion as Jenson played Tackle in college…
December 30th, 2022 at 11:12 am
Jensen will whip 12 right back into shape
December 30th, 2022 at 11:13 am
Same panther team that handed them their asses last time. Bucs been playing like dog spit for months. I’m not thinking playoffs I’m thinking about who the next coach will be.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:14 am
Yep, been thinking the same thing. Makes sense to slot him in as a Left Guard, and even in a rotational basis it would work.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:14 am
Sounds like a plan. Let’s get to the playoffs first. Lol.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:15 am
Ryan Jensen played guard in his second year for the Ravens and was terrible.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:22 am
I’ve heard that too, Da Bucs Guy. 2 questions now:
1) Is Jensen better than Leverett?
2) Is Jensen a better player now than he was in his 2nd year?
If one says yes to both questions, then he’s a better option. We’ll leave it up to our trusty O-line coach to make the correct judgement. And nope, not gonna say anything snarky or sarcastic about our coaches’ judgements this year. Just get it right and put the best player in there!
December 30th, 2022 at 11:23 am
He was fine when he played there for us.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:25 am
Sorry fans but if he can play, play him NOW. Lose Sunday and there might not be a playoff game.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:28 am
let him just play fullback and personally protect brady and give him that extra second
December 30th, 2022 at 11:28 am
🙂
December 30th, 2022 at 11:36 am
“Joe heard from a trusted source yesterday to not rule out Jensen playing left guard if he can return for the playoffs, as guard is potentially less stressful than center on Jensen’s healing knee for a variety of in-game reasons.”
Great to hear our coaching staff making crafty decisions!
December 30th, 2022 at 11:44 am
Just having Big Red dressed and in pads on the sidelines would help the attitude of the rest of the team. Let Jensen yell and get after the o-line so Brady doesn’t have to do it. You have A lot more clout to your teammates when you have the pads on.
December 30th, 2022 at 12:09 pm
I would not rush Jensen into the line-up, this season. It’s a huge risk, for him & the Bucs.
If he mangles that knee again in the PO…The FO might as well right off the 2 remaining yrs on his contract.
Would rather roll with status quo & keep Big Red recouping through out the off-season to be 100% fully healed for 2023.
December 30th, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Play him now if healthy!
December 30th, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Its the smarter move as Hainsey doesnt have too many snaps at guard. His experience should help the left side of the line out with twists and stunts, which is likely a massive help to Donnie as well. Not sure how much to expect from him, but I think his presence alone is of benefit to the lineup.
December 30th, 2022 at 1:40 pm
As long as he is on the sidelines demanding toughness and grit from our shady OLine, it’s worth it. They as an unit lack what Jensen has plenty of. True grit.
December 30th, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Agree, Sparky. Even if Jensen doesn’t play, his presence on the sidelines should help. We hope!
December 30th, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Guard makes a lot of sense for Jensen or Hainsey. Agreed, getting someone like Jensen back on your practice field is huge. The whole team must be jacked up. I expect everyone to be playing with their hair on fire. Everyone should die their hair Jensen fire red! Lfg!
December 30th, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Joe, one game at a time!! And there are 2 more still!! I don’t believe the coaches can get this team into the playoffs!! Play Jensen Sunday!! At guard at center, somewhere!!
December 30th, 2022 at 4:10 pm
This is a non-story until the Bucs get into the playoffs. Premature talk about Jensen playing. Talk and player focus should be on playing great game, not whether Jensen will be back soon.
December 30th, 2022 at 4:56 pm
Never know Hainsey might start at another line spot and earn that job? Like the the organization has been clueless of the timetable for return and just didn’t plan on what to do when a starter returns.
December 30th, 2022 at 5:21 pm
O line needs his leadership and his nasty out there…wherever they decide to play him.
December 30th, 2022 at 8:26 pm
LFGO!!!!!! COME ON GUYS STOP TRYING TO BE A RUN FIRST OFFENSE!!! ARE STRENGTHS ARE IN OUR RECIEVING CORPS!!! KUST LIKE 1ST HALF AGAINST CINCINNATI WE CAN BEAT ANYONE LFGO!!!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:13 pm
Like to see Jensen at least play every other series of downs, and see how it goes.
Chris Godwin & Julio were played “sparingly” at the beginning of the season; which is a good idea.
Whatever playing-time Jensen can manage, is bound to be of some help: everyone will be watching whether Brady gets more protection when Jensen is in: it’s hard to tell what this year would be like with Jensen and Gronk blocking, but I’d bet, over a whole season, it’s a huge difference…Brady with a little more time in the pocket on a few plays might win this game.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:47 am
Beej : I’m with you about the left tackle thing.
Just seems like D.S takes plays off once in awhile,and usually at the worst time