The Bucs believe they have contained the outbreak of MRSA that has kept Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks out of action, but doubts about the readiness of their offensive line has spread. Coach Greg Schiano said Monday it was "too early to tell,' whether Nicks will be available for the regular-season opener against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. That means the Bucs may have to pick from Gabe Carimi, Jamon Meredith and Ted Larsen to fill Nicks' spot though none of them would list guard as their primary position. Carimi, who was acquired in a trade with the Bears in June, took reps at left guard with the first team during the install period of practice Monday. "Well, we have guys on our roster on the offensive line, we'll choose one of them," Schiano said. "They all can play guard. One of them will end up being the starting guard if Carl can't play." The Bucs have not explored the option that worked best when Nicks went down with a season-ending injury to his plantar plate: moving center Jeremy Zuttah from center to left guard and starting Larsen at center. "It's always an option because we've done it," Schiano said. "I wouldn't say that's the way we're going to go or it's not the way we're going to go. We just have to get the best five on the field. We'll evaluate that when we know definitely about Carl." Source: Tampa Bay Times
