Gronkowski, Sherman spotted in pads at Bucs practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski, Richard Sherman spotted in pads at Buccaneers practice

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/27/21

Looks like the banged-up Buccaneers are getting closer to having some of their veterans back on the gridiron.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski and cornerback Richard Sherman, along with linebacker Lavonte David, were spotted practicing in pads on Wednesday, indicating they could be taking the field in the not-too-distant future.

#Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski (ribs), LB Lavonte David (ankle), and CB Richard Sherman (hamstring) were all spotted in pads by local reporters during practice. Good sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2021

Gronkowski has been sidelined for four straight games due to fractured ribs and a punctured lung sustained against the L.A. Rams in Week 3. While coach Bruce Arians hasn't revealed whether Gronk will be available to play Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, having the towering tight end back at practice is a good sign.

TE Rob Gronkowski is back at practice after missing four games with a rib injury. pic.twitter.com/rkafOkSyTA
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 27, 2021

Sherman missed one game due to a hamstring injury, but he was spotted helping coach Tampa Bay's defense while DBs coach Kevin Ross was out due to COVID protocol.

And here's Richard Sherman wearing the headset on the sideline... Coach Sherman! https://t.co/kvARIAZSm7 pic.twitter.com/SD2Fd6cylT
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 24, 2021

Perhaps the one negative coming out of Bucs practice is that Antonio Brown was spotted still walking with a crutch as he rehabs from an ankle injury.

Arians is expected to give updates on all players during his media availability on Wednesday.

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