Leftwich wants to stay in Buccaneers jersey to mentor young starter

Although it seems unlikely for veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich to resume his career as professional football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is just still having the chance to wear back his Buccaneers jersey for the new season in a new role- a mentor to young starting quarterback Josh Freeman.

According to Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris, Byron is still considered to be a very productive leader although he did out work out as the team’s starter in 2009 season and he is experienced and skilled enough to help Freeman learn how to work as a starting quarterback. In one word, the coach reminded us to get ready for seeing Leftwich back on the Tampa Bay team in the new season.

Because of inadequate playing time, Leftwich is not due to be paid a costly roster bonus by the Buccaneers and thus it’s not expensive to keep him in the team. And the Buccaneers would be glad to have some more help in improving passing game during the training camp.

Buccaneers player was suspended for violating substances of abuse policy

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not have their safety Tanard Jackson until Oct. 11 game when they are going to play against the Philadelphia Eagles. That means Jackson will miss both the Bucs’ season opener and Oct. 4 game against the Washington Redskins after he received the four-game suspension beginning from Sept. 5 for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

The third-year pro has started every game over the past two seasons. He did not give a specific reason for the discipline and just said it was something before he got into this league. He apologized for what he did on Tuesday.

“I’m definitely disappointed in myself. I let my team down … a lot of people down. The fans, I’d like to apologize to them. … I’ll be out four games and I’m apologetic. When I come back, I’m hoping to get back on track and move on.”