After being released by the Seattle Seahawks and being arrested for DUI (again), the Buccaneers took a chance on Jerramy Stevens. He is, after all, a talented tight end. Unfortunately, he might not see a lot of playing time this season.

A Scottsdale, Arizona jury has found him guilty of DUI, and Stevens is now facing up to 30 days in jail. But his time behind bars will likely be met with time away from the game, via a suspension from Roger Goodell. While no one knows for sure how harsh the penalty will be, we do know the commissioner is trying to improve the image of the league. And this isn’t Stevens’ first offense, making it more likely he’ll be made an example.

But again, we don’t when he’ll be suspended. There’s a good chance Goodell will wait until after the team’s season-opener, in which case Stevens could play. In fact, Coach Jon Gruden expects such an outcome.

“We expect to have him back, whenever the courts deem it appropriate,” Gruden said Wednesday. “We do expect him to play. He’s a guy we have a lot of respect for who has really done some good things here in Tampa.”

Tight end Alex Smith is the team’s likely week one (and beyond) starter, and he’s reportedly good to go in terms of health.

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