Tampa Bay Buccaneers Carl Nicks not expected to play

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive guard Carl Nicks (77) blocks during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie CB Johnthan Banks was cleared in the MRSA scare, but it sounds like Carl Nicks won’t be playing as a result of the severe staph infection. Banks was not deemed a risk for today’s game, as the league is not worried about players on the Philadelphia Eagles contracting MRSA from Banks. However, the MRSA saga will likely claim Carl Nicks, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Nicks is not expected to play today. Schefter also confirmed that Banks is expected to play.

Carl Nicks returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 after an initial bout with MRSA in his toe that started last year, but it was reported earlier this week that the star guard’s MRSA infection returned. His status was in total doubt upon hearing the report, and we can only hope that Nicks will return to the Buccaneers shortly.

Former Chicago Bears bust Gabe Carimi is set to start for Nicks at left guard, and it’s a huge downgrade for the Buccaneers offensive line. Nicks is so much better than Carimi, and the Bucs can only hope that he doesn’t miss an extended amount of time due to the MRSA return. His first bought costed him a huge amount of time, and I think it’s safe to say that he won’t be playing today.

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