What's Happening?
Cade Otton, the Buccaneers' tight end, is currently not participating in practice due to a hamstring injury. Head coach Todd Bowles has described the injury as mild, and the team is exercising caution with Otton's recovery. Despite being sidelined for over a week, there are no immediate concerns regarding his availability for the regular season opener. In Otton's absence, other tight ends such as Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and Devin Culp are receiving increased opportunities to practice with the first team.
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Why It's Important?
Otton's absence from practice highlights the importance of depth in the Buccaneers' roster, particularly at the tight end position. While the team is optimistic about his recovery, the situation underscores the need for backup players to step up and fill the gap. This could lead to increased competition among the tight ends, potentially affecting the team's strategy and lineup decisions as the season progresses.
What's Next?
The Buccaneers will continue to monitor Otton's recovery closely, aiming to have him ready for the regular season. The team will likely evaluate the performance of the other tight ends during practices and the preseason game against Tennessee. This evaluation will inform decisions about the starting lineup and player rotations once Otton returns.
