By Tom Krasniqi

 

The 1-2 Bucs made their final preparations today for Sunday’s game against the 1-2 Redskins at Raymond James Stadium.  Here’s what’s new on the Friday injury report:  CB Anthony Gaitor hasn’t practiced all week and is out once again because of a nagging hamstring injury.  CB E.J. Biggers(foot) has practiced fully this entire week and is probable.  He should make his season debut on Sunday.  Guard Carl Nicks (toe), LB Dekota Watson (chest) and CB Leonard Johnson (back) are probable.

For the Redskins, WR Pierre Garcon (foot) was limited again in practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday.  He’s missed the last two games and is a big part of their offense.  Starting left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with a knee injury and failed to practice the last two days.  S Brandon Merriweather (knee) and RB Evan Royster (knee) are both probable along with WR Leonard Hankerson (back).  Merriweather’s return would be a boost to Washington’s suspect secondary.  WR Brandon Banks to the injury report with a hip problem and is questionable.  CB Cedric Griffin is out with a hamstring injury.   

 

News & Notes:

  • The Redskins defense has given up some big plays this season.  They are 31st in the NFL is passing defense and they have given up a league high 10 TD passes through the first three games.  When I asked Bucs WR Vincent Jackson about the doing some damage this weekend, he replied: “We feel like we can do damage each and every week”.  Expect the Bucs to take shots down the field Sunday with VJax.
  • Redskins QB Robert Griffin III was sacked 6 times last week and hit 13 times total by the Bengals defense.  The ‘Skins repeatedly ran the option, which exposed RG3 to some big hits.  Bucs defenders know he’s fair game once he runs the option and they will get physical whenever possible.  LB Quincy Black says Griffin becomes a runner at that point.  LB Mason Foster says the key is to not let Griffin get to the edge.
  • Greg Schiano was particularly coy when asked if his defense would employ a “spy” to follow around RG3.  “We have it in our repertoire”, says Schiano.  Hmmm, sounds like you may see that on Sunday.  My hunch is that it could be LaVonte David, who’s fast enough to stay with him.
  • With Adrian Clayborn done for the year, third-year man Daniel Te’o Nesheim will start in his place.  Clayborn will be missed as an every down defensive end who played the run as well as the pass.  Without Clayborn, expect the Redskins to constantly double-team DT Gerald McCoy.
  • Sunday’s game will be blacked out as the Bucs failed to sell 85% of general admission seats.  The only place for live play-by-play action is on 620 WDAE with our coverage beginning at 9am.  Kickoff time is at 4:25pm.