For a second consecutive day Jameis Winston got a full allotment of work in practice, a positive indicator that the foot injury he's been battling is a thing of the past.
And Winston made sure it was also a day where he took full advantage of his top weapons. On one drive midway through the practice he either handed the ball off or passed it to Alvin Kamara on six of the first seven snaps.
That drive went all the way down to the 6 yard line before it bogged down with Marquez Callaway unable to bring in a ball. That set up 4th down, on which Winston attempted to thread a ball to Juwan Johnson in the back of the end zone. Tyrann Mathieu was having none of it, undercutting the TE to snare what would have a massive, momentum-swinging interception if it happened in a game setting.
Winston got the last laugh, though, as he came in for a 2-minute drill to end the day. His first pass was batted back to him, and his second was a short gain to a diving Johnson. The next ball was a pretty throw to the sideline with Chris Olave toe-tapping and getting out of bounds to save the clock.
The next ball went to Jarvis Landry, who was tackled inbounds to set up a few shots at the end zone with 10 seconds left. They only needed one, as Winston laced a ball to Landry at the corner of the end zone, with the former LSU star reaching up with his right hand to knock the ball down before he snared it for a thrilling touchdown.
This offense has weapons now. It's a nice thing to see.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
It was another day with a lot of faces missing, but the good news came in the form of TE Taysom Hill and DE Taco Charlton getting back into the action after missing the prior two days.
But the list of absentees was still extensive. Here's who wasn't spotted out participating on Tuesday:
- WR Tre'Quan Smith
- WR Michael Thomas
- WR Kevin White
- RB Dwayne Washington
- TE Adam Trautman
- OG Cesar Ruiz
- OT James Hurst
- OT Landon Young
- LB Pete Werner
- LB Chase Hansen
- CB Marshon Lattimore
- CB Alontae Taylor
- S PJ Williams
- DE Carl Granderson
Of that list, the only new absences from the prior two days were that of Smith and Granderson.
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ANDY DALTON 'GOT STEPPED ON'
One point of concern came with backup quarterback Andy Dalton as he led a drive of his own late in the practice. The QB appeared to do something to his foot and went off the field mid-drive, replaced by Ian Book.
Dalton was seen getting looked at by a trainer and did not get back into the action. After practice head coach Dennis Allen said Dalton "got stepped on," but was expected to be OK.
One thing that's notable is those fill-in reps were the only team snaps taken by Book the entire practice. While he's likely to still see significant action in the final preseason game, it's clearly time for QB1 and QB2 to get the work in heading into the season.
WILL THE STARTERS PLAY ON FRIDAY?
That remains to be seen, but I'll qualify it as likely for at least some snaps. Today's work made it clear there was an emphasis on getting the first-teamers quality reps. Kamara was particularly active, and I have a feeling if guys are healthy, a majority of the starters will have a chance to get on the field for the first and only time this preseason.
That said, I'd be very surprised to see Michael Thomas even if he returns to practice tomorrow. The biggest question is Jameis, and now Dalton if his foot issue lingers.
KIRK MERRITT IS GETTING A LOT OF ACTION
I don't know if it's just a matter of get-up-to-speed reps, but Kirk Merritt was heavily involved today after switching to the RB room earlier in the week. Tony Jones Jr. began practice but left early, and Dwayne Washington has been missing the past three days.
Merritt caught two passes and carried the ball twice during team drills, and looked good doing it. I think it's very possible he can make this team with a strong performance on Friday.
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MARCUS DAVENPORT INTO TEAM DRILLS
A lot of key players have been absent the past few days, but Marcus Davenport has been a steady presence since missing the first week-plus of practice getting his conditioning up to speed.
He's shown no visible issues from offseason surgery and a pinky amputation, and took a positive step on Tuesday getting into team drills for the first time this offseason. The team is clearly placing a much higher premium on games played than practice reps received, but it's a positive sign for him to continue moving forward.
LINEBACKER IS STILL UP FOR GRABS
Werner still isn't practicing, but I'm not really worried about him just yet. The question will come behind him. Andrew Dowell is likely safe as a key special teamer, but who's next on that list? Is it Nephi Sewell or Eric Wilson? How about Jon Bostic and Kaden Elliss? What's been stopping Zack Baun from being a more noticeable figure?
I genuinely think there are multiple roster spots at linebacker up for grabs heading into the final preseason game, so that's the position I'm watching most closely.
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