Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Recapping the Latest Buzz Heading into Training Camp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp is close at hand, but even in the football doldrums of July, this year's storylines are taking shape.

The period between OTAs and training camp can be dangerous for players who have little else to do but wait for the season to begin; sometimes things can go wrong—like for cornerback C.J. Wilson, who suffered a severe hand injury during the Fourth of July weekend.

Some players, like quarterback Jameis Winston, have set training goals to meet before camp begins. Others, like wide receiver Mike Evans, are already primed for the season to get underway.

The season never ends for the Bucs front office. They've already tried to add former New England Patriots guard Dan Connolly, and the team must figure out what to do with their linebacker corps, particularly with last year's breakout star Danny Lansanah.

Here is some of the latest Buccaneers news making waves before training camp.

C.J. Wilson Severely Injures Hand in Fireworks Incident

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

While Independence Day is a time of celebration throughout the country, it became a day Bucs cornerback C.J. Wilson would rather forget.

Per the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings, Wilson suffered a severe hand injury during a Fourth of July celebration in his hometown of Lincolnton, North Carolina. And according to local CBS affiliate WBTV's Coleen Harry, he lost two fingers as a result.

While the extent of Wilson's injuries have not been confirmed, this is an unfortunate blow for the Bucs defensive back. Wilson's injuries come under similar circumstances to that of New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who, per ESPN.com, also suffered a hand injury while handling fireworks over the holiday weekend.

The Bucs released a statement expressing their concern for Wilson's long-term health. Though Wilson was not high on the Bucs cornerback depth chart, the team is rightly focused on Wilson's current condition. They can make a decision on his status when more information is available.

Jameis Winston Trying to Lose Weight Before Training Camp

David Richard/Associated Press

The Bucs drafted QB Jameis Winston for his arm, not necessarily his waistline. Nevertheless, Winston wants to tighten up before training camp.

According to the NFL.com's Kevin Patra, Winston is trying to get down to his redshirt freshman year weight of 230 pounds before training camp begins. Winston's weight became a hot-button issue before the draft when an unflattering picture of him shirtless surfaced, indicating that he might be out of shape.

That was obviously not the case, as Winston performed well at the combine and was selected first overall in the draft.

Wanting to slim down is admirable so long as Winston is doing so for the sake of his conditioning. A few extra pounds won't make a huge difference in his ability to throw the ball, but Winston needs to be in as good of shape as possible before camp so he can focus on learning the playbook.

The Bucs Tried to Sign Dan Connolly

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

The Bucs could certainly use more help on the offensive line. And apparently the front office thinks so too, looking once again to a former New England Patriot to assist.

Per ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the Bucs "made a strong pitch" to Connolly to entice him into joining former teammate Logan Mankins in Tampa Bay. Whereas Mankins had little choice in the matter, as he was traded, Connolly was apparently hesitant to move his family from Massachusetts to Florida.

The offensive line remains an area of uncertainty for the Bucs. It's possible that the team will start their two second-round picks, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, on the line at some point this year.

Their youth is what makes the Bucs' interest in Connolly somewhat puzzling. They will need Smith and Marpet in the starting lineup sooner rather than later, and the rookies will need all the practice reps they can get if they want to be on the field as soon as possible.

Connolly played poorly for the Patriots in 2014. According to the Boston Globe's Ben Volin, Pro Football Focus graded him as New England's worst offensive lineman. The Bucs would be wise to remain patient and watch the waiver wire for less expensive and potentially better options.

Mike Evans Believes He Can Be Better Without Josh McCown

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Mike Evans exploded onto the scene in his rookie season, and he believes he could have been even better.

In an interview with USA Today's Tom Pelissero, Evans expressed confidence that he stacks up with any other receiver in the league, saying, "If we all get 200 targets, put in the same situations, I think I'll do just as good as anybody."

Evans also intimated disappointment in former Bucs QB Josh McCown, saying, "The quarterback would just look me off, and then I'd be dead. And I didn't understand, because I always think I'm open. Just throw that thing up."

Evans has a fair point. On 116 targets last season, he scored 12 touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. Evans received just over a third of McCown's 327 attempts, of which he completed only 184.

McCown's abysmal play last year came in spite of Evans and fellow Bucs WR Vincent Jackson. Perhaps Jameis Winston will have more trust in Evans' ability to get open.

Danny Lansanah Is the Bucs' Secret Weapon on Defense

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Bucs have made several moves to bolster their linebacker depth this offseason. Despite their many additions, the team's best linebackers were already on the roster.

Weak-side LB Lavonte David has already established himself as the Bucs' best linebacker, and one of the best in the entire league. According to Pro Football Focus' Kevin Connaghan, strong-side LB Danny Lansanah is Tampa's "secret superstar" and a perfect fit for Lovie Smith's defense.

It took Lansanah seven years to catch on with an NFL team, but when he did, he made an immediate impact. Pro Football Focus ranked him in the top 20 among linebackers in both run-stopping and pass coverage.

The additions of Bruce Carter and Kwon Alexander first appeared to threaten Lansanah's role on the team. However, at second glance, that isn't necessarily the case.

While Carter is very athletic, his instincts are only average and inferior to what Lansanah displayed last season. While the Bucs signed him to a four-year, $20.5 million contract, Carter's salary is only guaranteed this season, per Over the Cap. If the Bucs don't like what they see, they've proved that they have no qualms moving on from a bad signing.

Kwon Alexander is another highly athletic prospect, but he is only a rookie. He may not be ready to step into a starting role for another year or so.

Until the Bucs' more athletic linebackers prove they can make plays like Lansanah did last season, don't expect him to surrender his spot in the starting lineup anytime soon.