Tom Brady And The Bucs Can’t Catch a Break With a Gaping Hole in the Middle, A ‘Center’s Curse’ For 2022?

A few weeks ago, Tom Brady-led offensive unit faced a setback in the form of center Ryan Jensen incurring a serious knee injury. Jensen has been with Brady for a very long time. Their connection was a loss that would hurt Tampa. But still Robert Hainsey’s strong presence would have solved issues going into the season. But it seems like there is a ‘center’s curse’ on the Buccaneers. As the situation in the middle has gone from bad to worse after backup Hainsey was carted after Wednesday’s practice session. Earlier, Brady was deprived of his legendary starting center, but now he’s out of the backup option too.

The incident happened while the Buccaneers were practicing with the Miami Dolphins yesterday. Surprisingly it was the same way Jensen was taken off the field after cramping his left knee. It seems Jensen’s was more than a cramp and he won’t be available to enter the field soon.

Jenna Laine of ESPN mentioned that Jensen doesn’t like being carted off even if he is in significant pain, but this act explains how critical the condition was. Similarly, taking to Twitter, Laine wrote, “End of practice and Bucs center Robert Hainsey was carted off. Unbelievable.”.

The Notre Dame product was acquired by the Bucs in the third round of the 2021 draft class. He entered the practice sessions just after Jensen incurred the injury on July 8th. The 23-year-old registered for 31 snaps last season and is expected to cover up for Jensen if he proves himself in the future. But alas, his future remains tbd after the unfortunate incident today.

After he got carted from the field, Nick Leverett took his position. He is an undrafted rookie from the 2020 season who contributed 60 snaps last year. So reliable, yet it isn’t the most ideal situation for the Super Bowl aspiring Bucs.

Also Read : PHOTO: NFL Icon Tom Brady Looks Almost Unrecognizable in This Unearthed Photo While Playing Baseball in Younger Days

Fortunately, Hainsey’s status has improved. Per the reports, what looked like a scare for the Bucs’ offensive aspirations was nothing more than the Florida heat. And the youngster is expected to return soon.

What did Tom Brady say about Jensen’s injury and the contribution of Robert Hainsey to the team?

In the recent press conference for the Buccaneers, Tom Brady came forward to answer the media questions. As expected, an array of questions was thrown upon him, including the one that asked his reaction to Jensen’s injury and updates on second-year center Robert Hainsey.

“Obviously, Everyone is heartbroken with what happened to Ryan,” Brady said. “(Hainsey) worked hard last year, really gained a lot of trust of a lot of people. He has to go earn it, like all of us. It’s not what you did, how hard you worked in the off-season. It’s how good of a football player are you.” he added to his explanation.

A Gaping Hole in the Middle

When asked about his final team for the season, Brady mentioned that it was not feasible to choose players, at this point. The practice session has just begun, and in the coming days, fans would get a clear picture of all those questions. Seems Brady’s experience says that chemistry takes time to build, and is a very natural process. Although, now with Hainsey out, let’s see how Tampa and Tom fix this gaping hole in the middle.

Watch This Story – Tom Brady Spills His Secret to Stay Healthy; Shares 6 Simple Steps