The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially ruled out defensive end Michael Johnson playing in their Week 2 game against the St. Louis Rams.
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Johnson will sit out to nurse an ankle injury that he sustained in the Buccaneers’ season opener against the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers signed him to a five-year deal this offseason, and he was expected to boost their pass rush.
Luckily for the Buccaneers, the injury is not considered serious, and the Rams are hurting on offense with issues at quarterback. Shaun Hill struggled greatly in the Rams’ season opener and sustained a quad injury. Austin Davis would be making his first NFL start if the Rams decide to rest Hill.
However, they will face somewhat of a challenge since their other starting defensive end, Adrian Clayborn, was placed on injured reserve with a biceps injury.
This will force the Buccaneers to move forward with Da’Quan Bowers and William Gholston as their starting defensive ends against the Rams.
The Buccaneers defense has been expected to make great strides this season. Their depth will be tested as this game will give an indication on how the unit can perform in 2014.
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