TAMPA — After missing three games with an ankle injury, Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Evan Smith returned to practice on Tuesday. Come Sunday, Smith may return to the starting lineup as well.
Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said last week that Smith was still his starter despite the solid play the Bucs have received from backup Joe Hawley.
Whether Bucs coach Lovie Smith agrees is up for debate.
On Tuesday, Smith did not address the center situation specifically but said he does not automatically subscribe to the theory that a player can lose his job because of injury.