Cosey Coleman sidelined four weeks
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 | 12:49 AM ET
CBC Sports
Coleman suffered a torn meniscus to his left knee during a pre-game drill prior to the Buccaneers preseason opener against Miami on Monday night.
"When you lose Cosey Coleman and you see the guy getting carted off in pregame warmups, it feels like you swallowed an apple whole," Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden said. "It's very unfortunate.
"I've never seen that happen to a man in pre-game warmups."
As the Tampa Bay lineman practiced a normal pass set, Coleman planted his left leg, and his knee buckled when he redirected.
The 23-year-old had to be carted off the field.
The Buccaneers had second-year lineman Shane Grice listed as Coleman's backup, but inserted five-year veteran Todd Washington into the starting lineup.
Coleman is expected to remain in the spot for the upcoming games.
Backup guard Kendell Mack also suffered an injury on Monday, tearing his left medial collateral ligament, and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Tampa Bay is expected to either sign a free agent or move a tackle inside to guard to fill the sudden void.
