Buccaneers Quarterback Back Practicing After Neck Injury Against Jets
John Wolford was brought into Tampa Bay earlier this offseason to provide the team with stability, depth, and experience as the third-string quarterback while the Buccaneers sort out the competition between Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield for the starting job.
Since joining the team, Wolford has been exactly what new offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, had hoped for. In addition to Canales, head coach, Todd Bowles, and recently appointed starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, have both gone out of their way to praise the veteran signal-caller for his strong football IQ and the high level of professionalism he has brought to the team.
For any third-string quarterback, the preseason provides what will likely be the only opportunity for that player to see live game action vs. an NFL opponent. So when Wolford got his chance in the Buccaneers' second preseason game vs. the New York Jets last weekend, I'm sure his family and friends were all watching with a keen eye.
READ MORE: How The Relationship Fell Apart Between Buccaneers, Kyle Trask
Unfortunately, this exciting experience for Wolford and his supporters quickly transformed into what became a very scary moment.
Wolford took a hit late in the third quarter of the game, and after hitting the turf, lay motionless on the field for several minutes before being carted off the field on a stretcher. It was a horrifying moment for the players and coaches on the field, the fans watching in the stands and on television, and of course, for Wolford's family and friends.
When news broke later in the game that Wolford had feeling in all of his extremities and was taken to a local New Jersey hospital for precautionary reasons, a collective sigh of relief was felt.
Wolford would be okay.
Still, most non-medical professionals, such as myself, would likely assume that any injury requiring a player to exit the field on a stretcher, and then be taken to hospital, would require a significant amount of rest, time, and recovery before that player would be able to take the field again.
Not for John Wolford.
READ MORE: Buccaneers' Starting Quarterback Battle Likely Ended Against Jets
Wolford took the field with his teammates for practice at Bucs training camp on Tuesday, just a few days after suffering the injury. And although he wasn't participating in practice on Tuesday, on Wednesday, Wolford could be seen taking snaps and making throws with the other quarterbacks at practice.
It's a feel-good story hidden beneath the trials and tribulations that so often arise with injuries, players being cut, and other negative storylines that arise during the NFL offseason.
Above all else, it's great to see that Buccaneers' quarterback, John Wolford, is healthy enough to continue doing what he loves. It's also a major bonus for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he was able to recover so quickly.
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout Training Camp.
