Competition crucial for roster spots in aftermath of injuries
He’s going to play a lot on Thursday night and he’s going to get one final chance to show what he can do."
Two plays after McNichols left the game, running back Russell Hansbrough ripped off a 27-yard run, the longest of the night.
The Bucs could keep as many as four running backs, especially with Doug Martin suspended for the first three regularseason games.
But depending on position battles at other spots such as tight end and receiver, they could opt to go only with Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber at running back.
“Well, there’s multiple roster spots based on your needs at other positions,” Koetter said. “There’s spots at different positions but based on what you need, some of these spots are a little bit interchangeable.”
Twice on “Hard Knocks,” McNichols has been featured getting help on his assignments. As Koetter said, his final chance may come Thursday night when the Bucs host the Washington Redskins.
Injuries pressed Bucs tackle Leonard Wester into a starting role against the Browns, and he played all 46 snaps with the firstteam offense to solidify his position as a backup on Tampa Bay's 53-man
“I felt like it went well overall. Coach thought I played a solid game,” he said. “Definitely a couple of things I need to clean up. I knew what to expect, knew how to prepare to start and all that."
Starting right tackle Demar Dotson was sidelined with a groin injury, and Wester said he knew he was starting in Thursday night's walkthrough when it was clear that left guard Kevin Pamphile, who had gotten a look at right tackle this week, would also be sidelined.
Wester made the team last year as an undrafted rookie but only dressed for four games last season, so it was important for him to give his coaches confidence that he can handle a backup role again this fall.
“I'm not worried about if I'm on the team or not," he said. “I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunities, and I felt like I did that. There's obviously stuff you can always work on, but it's important that they trust me to be that guy."
Koetter said Wester learned a lot from the opportunity to play with the first-string offense.
“That was great experience for him," Koetter said. “For Leonard to get 44 [plays] with the first group, that's invaluable experience." roster.