The Rueben Bain Injury
August 26th, 2026
Reason to smile?
So long as the Bucs aren’t losing players to injuries as has happened in past seasons, you can reconsider your trip to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
That’s the word from KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles. ESPN uber insider Adam Schefter gave Bucs fans a stroke this morning when he reported All-World rookie defender Rueben Bain has a shoulder injury.
Must be from tossing all those offensive linemen with Reggie White’s hump move. Schefter reported Bain has an AC (shoulder) injury and it is considered minor.
Now here comes the “But.”
But… NFL teams are not required to release medical information until four days prior to the first game of the regular season. That’s when the first injury reports are released. That’s something to keep in mind.
Bowles waved off the hint that Bain’s shoulder is a major issue after practice with the Jags this morning.
“He’s got a sore shoulder that he’s dealing with, so we kept him out today,” Bowles said. “He’ll be fine.”
Asked if Bain will play at Cincinnati to begin the regular season, Bowles answered, “Yep.”
This morning, Joe texted an orthopedist (and hardcore Bucs fan and friend) about an AC injury. Naturally, the doctor could only respond in general, as he doesn’t have access to Bain’s tests.
“AC shouldn’t be a lingering thing [so long as] there’s nothing else to it.”
If there’s nothing else to it.
No one outside of One Buc Palace knows.
August 26th, 2026 at 4:32 pm
Not worried yet.
18 days is a long time and he knows how to prepare.
August 26th, 2026 at 4:34 pm
Saw a few vids of him at practice, jogging w/o a sling and he looked more pissed (w/the resting Bain face) about not practicing than he looked hurt.
August 26th, 2026 at 4:36 pm
Speaking of another injury….
Ronde was talking about JJ Roberts’ today on The Ronde Barber Show and said something interesting. He said it may be too late for Roberts after missing so much practice time and almost all of TC, but then he said this and I’m wondering if it was misspeak or what….”(JJ Roberts) dude hasn’t practiced, either can’t or WON’T practice”
So curious about the use of the word “won’t” there. Big difference in can’t and won’t and seemed unsure if it was the former or the latter 🤷♂️
August 26th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
Bucky had a shoulder injury as well and we all know how that played out
August 26th, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Bucky has mental issues.
August 26th, 2026 at 4:57 pm
Will Bowles lose to the Bengals week 1 with his Swiss cheese defense???
Yep
August 26th, 2026 at 5:20 pm
He’s fine
August 26th, 2026 at 5:33 pm
i’m not sure they can stop Joe Burrow and Chase etc, depends who shows up
August 26th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Yep! And so was Baker last season. SMH
Is always Todd’s fault. lol
August 26th, 2026 at 5:45 pm
I figure he’s more likely to exaggerate the injury and hope opponents get complacent than go the other way.
August 26th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
That kids a gamer, he would probably have to lose an arm to not play. More worried about injuries to the receivers and to the offensive line backups.
August 26th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
Again, with the Bucs trainers and rehab professionals on the case, we fans have nothing to worry about. Excellent article .
Go Bucs.
August 26th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Start AQM against Burrow and let Bain sit. Bain is too valuable to have a lingering shoulder all season. I’m not sure that Bain could flip this game to a win if Burrow and Chase are healthy. Chase was nicked today in practice, so stay tuned…
August 26th, 2026 at 7:29 pm
WTF That’s for Bucs and their medical staff to determine not you JimBob! I’m sure the Bucs won’t chance his career on one game if he is not healthy.