Mahan trade won’t affect Zuttah — for now

One of the questions raised by the trade of Sean Mahan to the Bucs Tuesday was whether it meant the team was considering using him at right guard instead of rookie Jeremy Zuttah during Davin Joseph's absence.

We also wondered, so we asked. Offensive line coach Bill Muir dispelled any notion that Mahan would surpass Zuttah, at least initially. It's pretty much a vote of confidence for Zuttah.

"Jeremy Zuttah's been with us from the beginning," Muir said. "We're very pleased with the progress he's made. Obviously, he's not where we want him to be at this time, but we're glad he's not where he was when he got here. I think, what we've done is add a player who has experience starting at center and at guard. So, I think you have to look at it for face value."

But Muir pointed out that Mahan is still well-versed in the system having been away from the Bucs and with the Steelers for just one season. And in his unit, Muir said, everyone is judged on a week-to-week basis.

For now, though, Zuttah has the job and will be expected to excel.