Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert dislocated his left (non-throwing) shoulder on Friday during Tampa Bay’s 13-12 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns.
It was not known if Gabbert would require surgery, but coach Bruce Arians said the Bucs would sign a quarterback ahead of their Thursday preseason finale against the Cowboys in Dallas.
Starter Jameis Winston will not play next week, while third-string QB Ryan Griffin is expected to take limited snaps. Rookie Nick Fitzgerald is out while recovering from a hamstring injury.
“His shoulder popped out,” Arians said of Gabbert, who was a starter for five games in 2017 with Arians’ Arizona Cardinals. “He was hurting pretty good, but (I told him), ‘Good thing it’s not your throwing shoulder. You’ll be all right.’”
The injury occurred in the third quarter as a scrambling Gabbert was brought down around the ankle by Browns linebacker Adarius Taylor. Awkwardly landing on his arm, Gabbert called for the training staff while clutching his left wrist. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 33 yards without a touchdown or interception.
“It was tough (watching), but Blaine’s a soldier, and it was a great opportunity for Griff to step in and do a great job. He’s been doing a great job this entire preseason,” Winston said.
Griffin, who completed 11 of 17 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown but was sacked twice, has not played in a regular-season game. He received a vote of confidence from Arians after showing “poise.”
“He’s moved our team up and down the field just like he did again tonight,” Arians said.