NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Lions, Packers

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter said first-round DL Vita Vea has missed so much time due to a lingering calf injury and will face a challenge getting back into “football mode.”

“In Vita’s case, because he has missed so much practice, it’ll be challenging for him to get back into the football mode,” Koetter said, via JoeBucsFan.com.

Koetter added that Vea has lost 15-pounds so far through the offseason and preseason programs.

“Vita’s lost something like 15 pounds. … Conditioning in the pool, on the stationary bike. He’s working out like a maniac,” Koetter said.

• Jeremy Fowler reports that Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson is expected to clear the concussion protocol and play in Week 2’s game against the Eagles.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein of ESPN writes that if the Lions’ run game and overall blocking don’t improve, OC Jim Bob Cooter‘s job security could come into question “fairly quickly.”
• According to Rothstein, there is “legitimate concern” about the Lions’ players inability to learn new HC Matt Patricia‘s scheme.
• Rothstein points out that the defense is converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4/multiple base scheme and some players are not a good fit in Patricia’s system.
• As for the possibility of pursuing Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell, Rothstein can’t see them attempting to acquire him until free agency next year. Plus, they just used a second-round pick on Kerryon Johnson and will want to see what he can do for them this season.

Packers

• Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) took part in Saturday’s practice and is officially listed as questionable for Week 2 and there is no guarantee he plays on Sunday. (Tom Silverstein)
• Green Bay plans to evaluate Rodgers Sunday morning to see how his knee responds.