David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 21, 2022
Posted in
Update: Stinnie reportedly torn the MCL and ACL in his left knee on the play. This was the worst case scenario for Stinnie and the Buccaneers. He will miss the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left guard Aaron Stinnie was carted off Saturday night after suffering a left knee injury against the Titans.
By multiple video angles, Stinnie appeared to suffer a high grade MCL sprain, which will likely put him out a minimum of eight weeks, according to the Pro Football Docs.
Possible damage to his ACL was not immediately clear by video, but the hope is that ligament was spared.
Regardless, Stinnie will miss regular season time and likely hit IR.
Stinnie was injured on a run play late in the third quarter against the Titans. Titans strong safety Adrian Colbert tackled Ke'Shawn Vaughn with just under four minutes left and landed on Stinnie's left leg.
The 28-year-old guard was carted off and ruled out with a knee injury. If he has a grade 3 MCL sprain, his absence could stretch to mid-season.
Stinnie was competing for the starting job at left guard after Ali Marpet's retirement.
If Stinnie's high-grade MCL sprain is confirmed, second-year guard Nick Leverett will likely start at left guard. Another option for Tampa Bay is 2022 second round pick Luke Goedeke.
The Buccaneers are already down starting center Ryan Jensen, who suffered a severe left knee injury early in training camp.
Tampa Bay has not provided a return timeline for Jensen, but the Pro Football Docs detailed that his best-case scenario would be a grade 3 MCL sprain and a mid-season return.
Also, right tackle Tristan Wirfs is day-to-day with an oblique strain.
The Buccaneers play the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football Week 1.
Written by David Chao, MD
