Bucs Carl Nicks has surgery to remove MRSA

Former All Pro guard Carl Nicks, one of the Tampa Bay Bucs prized acquisitions last year, has undergone surgery to remove MRSA from his toe.

Nicks was diagnosed with the deadly infection in training camp, but after treatment was ruled healthy enough to play in week three.

Unfortunately, he suffered a reoccurrence of the disease shortly afterwards and had to sit out last Sunday’s game against Philadelphia.

Nicks is the third Bucs player to contract MRSA, joining former kicker Lawrence Tynes and rookie cornerback Johnthan Banks. Banks was cleared to play last week after an independent doctor ruled he could not infect other players.

It’s uncertain how long Nicks will be out, but one report said he would be back next month.  The Bucs are shuffling their offensive line. Ted Larsen replaced him at left guard last game.

At practice on Wednesday, the Bucs had Jeremy Zuttah at left guard with Larsen at center and Gabe Carimi at the other guard. Two time Pro Bowl selection Davin Joseph, who missed all of last season, is listed day to day because of a sore knee.