It's come down to this for the ragtag offensive line of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that the team is bringing in free-agent guard Richie Incognito for a Monday visit, per team sources. NFL Media's Jeff Darlington adds that Incognito's visit will consist of a physical and a one-on-one meeting with coach Lovie Smith.
Tampa is "being thorough" in allowing Incognito to make his first sojourn to a team since the Dolphins suspended him last season in response to Miami's bullying scandal, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Smith addressed Incognito on Monday, saying, "I think we're jumping the gun a little. We look at everyone available. Nothing more than that."
The Bucs would need to approve of the total package, but struggles at the guard position have created a burning need for help. Oniel Cousins, Jamon Meredith and Patrick Omameh have been a comprehensive disaster over three preseason games.
It's important to note that Incognito has yet to be fully reinstated to play in the regular season. Darlington noted that the lineman's status has been a month-long sticking point in the 11th-year veteran's quest to latch on with another club. Rapoport says not to expect an Incognito signing Monday.
Darlington reported that several teams are interested in Incognito's services, but he's only been reinstated for the preseason. Full clearance, though, is expected soon, Darlington was told.
Incognito was a radioactive presence last season, but his body of work in 102 career starts is an upgrade over what Tampa Bay currently houses. Few players in recent memory come attached with more baggage, but if the Bucs feel Incognito can fit in, this could lead to a signing.
UPDATE: Incognito was cleared for regular-season participation by the NFL on Monday night, Rapoport reported, per a league source.
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