TAMPA, Fla. – Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith almost never criticizes players publicly. But he made an exception Wednesday.

Smith said he was disappointed in fullback Jorvorskie Lane and defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers, who each were suspended for the next two games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

“For both guys, they hurt our football team by not being available this week and next," Smith said.

Smith said he’ll welcome both players back when they’re eligible. Smith said he doesn’t think the Bucs have a problem with performance-enhancing substances.

“Everybody in the world is trying to lose weight," Smith said. “My point is you make mistakes. Everybody tries to lose weight. Do I think it’s a major problem? No."

But Smith said he believes Bowers and Lane knew what they were doing was against league rules.

“Even if you’re educated, people make mistakes all ways," Smith said. “And they make bad decisions all ways. I think they knew what they were doing and they chose to go that route."