Jensen was on the Buccaneers’ roster in 2023 but didn’t play a snap. The veteran center hasn’t played a down of football since 2021 and was expected to be forced into retirement as a result of his injury. Jensen entered the league in 2014 as a sixth-round pick of the Ravens and joined the Buccaneers in free agency ahead of the 2018 season. He would go on to start every game for the Buccaneers from 2018-2021 and was a member of their 2020 Super Bowl-winning team. Jensen earned one Pro Bowl nomination in his career and started in 90 of 100 games played.

Jensen was placed on IR and will miss the 2023 season. The 32-year-old has been dealing with knee injuries the last two seasons and opted to not have surgery last year. Jensen retiring would help the Bucs, who would leave $4.7 million in dead money to release Jensen as a post-June cut next offseason. Tampa will turn to Robert Hainsey as the starting center in 2023.

Jensen struggled through injuries for most of the 2022 season. The Buccaneers allowed a league-low 22 sacks with Tom Brady at quarterback but struggled to the tune of 3.56 running back yards per carry. It could be a different story in the sack department with Baker Mayfield now under center to start the season.

Jensen injured his knee during training camp and has been on the injured reserve all season. However, he was able to practice with the first team ahead of the Wild Card Round and is expected to make his season debut against the Cowboys. Jensen's return is great news for a Buccaneers offensive line that will have its hands full against a strong Cowboys pass rush.