NFL Rumors: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Left Tackle's Elbow Injury Not Severe

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared more good news today following a couple of major injury scares in last night's 19-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Head Coach Todd Bowles announced that Donovan Smith hyperextended his elbow and his availability going forward will be dependent on pain management:

Bowles says tackle Donovan Smith has a hyperextended elbow but it’s only a pain tolerance issue so they’ll see how he feels as this week unfolds.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 12, 2022

Bowles' words indicate Smith might even be available for Week 2 in the Bucs' crucial divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. Bucs fans had been holding their breath after Smith and wide receiver Chris Godwin went down in the first half, but both appear to have avoided major injuries that would cost them extended time.

Now that Smith and Godwin are okay, Bucs fans can focus on the positives from last night's game: their defense looked absolutely smothering, and free agent addition Julio Jones flashed some promise on his limited opportunities by hauling in three of his five targets for 69 yards. The Bucs have more hard-hitting football to look forward to this Sunday: the last time they played the Saints, they were defeated 9-0 and lost stars Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette to first-half injuries.