Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Carl Nicks aiming to return for training camp
By Brad Rowland
The 2013 NFL season was an eventful one (to say the least) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one of the crazier stories in recent memory centered around a team outbreak of MRSA in the locker room. Offensive guard Carl Nicks was the highest-profile player affected by the infection, and as a result of it, the 28-year-old only managed to take part in 2 games during the 4-12 campaign.
With that said, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times brings some positive news surrounding Nicks and a potential return:
Bucs G Carl Nicks will not participate in minicamp but says his goal is to be ready for training camp.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 22, 2014
This is as huge development, especially given that it seemed like a likelihood that Nicks could be released at one point this off-season. However, not everything was positive from Stroud’s report of his progress:
Nicks says he still has pain and nerve damage in his foot, which underwent surgery for a recurrence of MRSA.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 22, 2014
It isn’t a surprise that Nicks would still be dealing with issues in the foot affected by the infection, but being that it is late April, it’s not encouraging news. Still, the Bucs paid a lot of money for the former Pro Bowler, and it would be beneficial for both sides if the big guard could be back on the field when camp opens.