Jamon

Meredith

Meredith will add depth with RT Willie Colon going on injured reserve. A 2009 fifth-round pick by the Packers, Meredith boasts impressive measurables only to have four teams already throw in the towel on his development. He does have a history with OL coach Sean Kugler from their time together in Buffalo.

Meredith, 26 in May, has long been regarded as a line prospect long on potential but low on work ethic. He’s bounced around the league, spending time with the Packers, Steelers, Giants, Lions, and Bills. Meredith knows new Bucs OC Mike Sullivan from their days in New York and will compete for a roster spot.

Jeremy Trueblood is also being asked to transition to guard, but Meredith will take over for Ted Larsen in Week 6. The decision may have been influenced by the fact that Trueblood has been dealing with an illness, so Meredith figures to be on a short leash. Demar Dotson will continue to start at right tackle.

Meredith was spotted on crutches after the workout and did not practice Thursday. It’s a concern for the Bucs as they’ve already lost their usual right guard, Davin Joseph, to a season-ending knee injury. Practice squadder Roger Aller is currently listed as Meredith’s backup.

The Bucs get good news on the injury front as both Meredith and CB Eric Wright (Achilles) are active. With Davin Joseph already on IR with a knee injury, they’re desperate to keep Meredith upright. Their inactives: RB Michael Smith, CB Danny Gorrer, S Keith Tandy, LB Najee Goode, WR Chris Owusu, DT Corvey Irvin and DT Matthew Masifilo.

Meredith, 27 in June, started 12 games last season at right guard after Davin Joseph’s injury, grading out poorly as both a run and pass blocker in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. The Bucs would be lucky to get a seventh-round pick.

This was a rookie camp, so only first- and second-year players were allowed. Still, a number of players here are in contention for the first string, with only RT Cornell Green, C Geoff Hangartner, and injured LT Demetrius Bell as likely Week 1 starters. Meredith’s (8 career games, 4 career starts) bookend tackle was Nick Hennessey (1 game, 0 starts). The starting right guard was Jason Watkins (0 games), and the center was Christian Gaddis (2 games, 0 starts). Second-year LG Andy Levitre (16 games, 16 starts) was easily the most experienced starter. Only Levitre and Meredith were drafted. It’s going to be a long year in Buffalo.

If Bell does get back for camp, he’ll only be eight months removed from his surgery. There were already questions about his ability to lock down the left tackle spot when healthy -- it’s scary to think what he’ll do at less than 100 percent. Jamon Meredith is taking Bell’s spot during OTAs.

Patrick Omameh worked with the second team. Coach Lovie Smith said the competition between the two will continue through summer. Rookies Kevin Pamphile and Kadeem Edwards aren’t currently viewed as options to start. Meredith started eight games at left guard last season. Omameh was signed off the 49ers’ practice squad in Week 6 but didn’t play a single snap as a rookie.

They’re giving second-year UDFA Jace Daniels a look. Oniel Cousins remained the starting right guard, but got blown up repeatedly in the exhibition opener, too. Barring an unlikely trade for disgruntled 49ers OG Alex Boone, interior line will enter the season as the biggest question mark on Tampa Bay’s roster.