TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Davin Joseph has a torn right patellar tendon and will undergo surgery that will sideline him for the entire season.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection was injured during the second quarter of Friday night's 30-28 preseason victory over New England when a teammate blocked a Patriots lineman into the back of Joseph's knee.
Reserve Ted Larsen replaced Joseph at right guard against the Patriots, however coach Greg Schiano was not ready Saturday to declare the third-year pro will start the regular season opener.
Joseph is the leader of an offensive line that's considered one of the strongest assets of a team that went 4-12 and ended last season on a 10-game losing streak.