TAMPA — Joe Hawley feels Evan Smith’s pain.
Up to a point.
Smith started 15 games at center for the Bucs last year and anchored the offensive line this season before injuring an ankle at New Orleans in Week 2. Now Smith is healthy and eager to regain a starting role that Hawley has assumed with distinction.
“Evan was playing really good when he got hurt; Joe has come in and picked right up,’’ Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said this week. “They are different types of players, but Joe is doing a really nice job.