Freeman Breaks Thumb vs. Chiefs

Thumbs down for Freeman!

Josh Freeman's second season as the uncontested started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started out perfect. With one of the knocks on Josh's game coming out of college being his accuracy, his 2010 campaign started out 6/6. Len Dawson, Chiefs' Hall of Fame QB and current radio commentator joked after Freeman completing his second pass that, "Josh Freeman's next incomplete pass will be his first of 2010." However, that ill fated 7th pass on 2nd and 5 from Kansas City's 13 yard line, Josh dropped back to pass and attempted to deliver the ball to tight end John Gilmore. Josh's thumb banged into Tamba Hali's helmet during the follow through of his throwing motion, and sustained a small fracture to the tip of his thumb. Freeman showed no signs of being hurt that were able to be noticed on the television broadcast, but on the following play Josh attempted another pass to wide receiver Sammie Stroughter that was way off it's mark and fell incomplete. "It was the next play, I couldn't really grab the ball," Freeman said, when asked about the loss of  strength in his thumb.

Freeman is expected to miss the rest of the preseason practices and exhibition games. He is supposed to be ready and able to practice the week of Tampa's first scheduled regular season game against the Cleveland Browns. How much this injury will set Josh back in his preparation for the 2010 season is unknown. What is known however is that his unquestionable work ethic and study habits displayed this offseason have him ahead of the anticipated progress curve. After a promising rookie seasons where Josh showed flashes of brilliance mixed among his expected rookie mistakes, the buzz was at an all time high throughout Buccaneer Nation. Freeman has been showing vast improvement during offseason workouts and training camp, and it showed on the field for his first six passes of 2010. Now we play the waiting and hoping game. Waiting until he heals, and hoping he has no set backs. Get well soon Josh.

Go Buccs!!!

ABuccsFan/JJC