The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed 15 undrafted free agents in hopes that a few of them could become key pieces for the team’s future. Among them is Desmond Watson — a massive defensive lineman many expected to participate in training camp right away. But that hasn’t been the case.
Watson was spotted at the start of training camp while the rest of the team was on the practice field. However, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Watson was working on a separate field with a trainer.
“The Bucs placed Watson on the non-football illness list, even though he was able to work for about 30 minutes on conditioning Wednesday,” Stroud wrote, noting that Watson joined the Buccaneers weighing over 460 pounds.
What Watson needs to do before playing
According to Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, Watson will be cleared to play once he reaches a target weight — something deemed more “healthy” and better suited for his mobility on the field. The team reportedly has a full staff monitoring his progress.
“I’m pleased. It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player on the field,” Bowles said of Watson. “That’s kind of where I’m at right now. He’s working at it and we’re working with him, and that’s all you can ask of him for right now.”
“We have some things we have in mind with him — where we want to see him at,” Bowles added. “We need to monitor that and get him where we think he needs to be and go from there. He’s made some progress. I don’t have a timetable on what we can get him down to and when that comes.”
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