The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out starting left tackle Donovan Smith for this Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Smith, a former second-round pick who’s helped solidify the left side of the Bucs’ offensive line, was reportedly in close contact with a family member who tested positive for COVID-19.
In accordance with NFL guidelines, Smith is self-quarantining as a safety precaution and Tampa Bay is preparing to play without him. The team’s Twitter account released the following statement from Smith on Friday morning.
Statement from T Donovan Smith: pic.twitter.com/abdASlTOC6
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 18, 2020
Smith will be replaced in the lineup by backup Josh Wells, but the team remains confident. Buccaneers guard Alex Cappa said the offensive line has faith in Wells, per team reporter Scott Smith.
Bucs guard Alex Cappa says continuity has helped the Bucs' offensive line perform well this season. That will be tested on Sunday without LT Donovan Smith but Cappa says the linemen are confident in Josh Wells.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) December 18, 2020
Atlanta has yet to face off against Tampa Bay this season, however, the two teams play each other twice over the final three weeks of 2020. The Falcons will be without wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) and possibly right tackle Kaleb McGary (personal) on Sunday.
