TAMPA, Fla. — The Bucs’ joint practices with the Titans did come with a price.
Place-kicker Ryan Succop tested positive for COVID-19 after going to dinner with a couple of undisclosed Titans “friends,” coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday.
Succop, 34, will miss the final preseason game at Houston on Saturday and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel told reporters he tested positive for COVID-19 after waking up Sunday with a sore throat. Tennessee placed defensive lineman Anthony Rush on the reserve/COVID-19 list before Monday’s practice.
Vrabel spent a lot of time last week after joint practices and before Saturday’s 34-3 win over the Bucs with quarterback Tom Brady and Arians. Arians, however, said he wasn’t concerned because those meetings were held outdoors.
Succop played six seasons for the Titans from 2014-19 and still is close to a lot of players and coaches on that staff.
Miami rookie Jose Borregales, who has not attempted a field goal or extra point this preseason but has looked good in training camp, is expected to handle the place-kicking duties for the Bucs on Saturday.
Guard Aaron Stinnie said it wasn’t surprising to hear a Bucs player had tested positive.
“I think everybody knows what we’re dealing with right now so you know what’s a possibility, so it’s really not too shocking when you do hear things,” Stinnie said.
“I know everybody is trying to do their best to stay as safe as possible and take certain measures and precautions.”
Florida reported just over 150,000 new cases of COVID-19 last week.
Also on Tuesday: the Bucs awaived (injured) tackle Chidi Okeke and moved running back Troymaine Pope on injured reserve after he cleared waivers.
