Clayton returns to practice; Bryant, White still out

Receiver Michael Clayton (knee) returned to practice on Thursday. However receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) and defensive end Stylez G. White (shoulder) were not participating in the afternoon session for the second straight day. Quarterback Byron Leftwich (elbow) did not practice.

If Bryant is unable to play, he will be replaced in the lineup again by Maurice Stovall.

"He's had a week and half off so far. He's been off the last two days, so we've just got to see where he is and make a decision once we get to game day,'' coach Raheem Morris said of Bryant.

"When you talk about the defensive ends, we had eight guys up last week. We've got all those guys in the rotation, you're talking about (Tim) Crowder, Jimmy Wilkerson, (Michael) Bennett coming in and playing a little bit and Kyle Moore is up so we should be okay at the end position. It's something you have to deal with football. We'll be ready to go. I don't want to assume Stylez won't be ready. We don't know yet.''   
 

 

Bucs toyed with Smith and Caddy in the Wildcat

It might have been the WildCaddy.

The Bucs experimented earlier this season with a Wildcat formation popularized by the Miami Dolphins.

But because offensive coordinator Greg Olson did not take over play-calling duties from Jeff Jagodzinski until just 10 days before the start of the season, there wasn't enough time to make it a viable weapon in the Bucs attack.

In the Bucs version, running back Clifton Smith took the direct snap from center and Cadillac Williams was the other halfback in motion.

Those roles are played by Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, respectively, for the Miami Dolphins.

"Early in the year, we did toy with it here and there,'' Williams said. "They actually had Peanut (Smith) at the point and had me as the guy coming in motion. We toyed with it, but that's as far as it went.

"We definitely have the personnel and the potential. But at the same time, coach Olson kind of got thrown in the fire and it's hard to try to do something else when you're trying to still implement your stuff.''

Williams said the Wildcat is a formation he believes the Bucs would thrive in,

"It's a lot of misdirection and a lot of people pulling,'' Williams said. "It seems so simple, like a simple play, but there's a lot that the defense has to account for on just that one Wildcat formation.''

 Olson said he hasn't ruled out installing the wildcat at some point -- most likely next season.  

"Not to say we won’t do it. but it does take a certain amount of time and preparation,'' Olson said. "I don’t just think you put the wildcat in and in one week and go to work with it. Obviously, you’re limited in reps during the season. That’s the direction most times have gone. We obviously have some personnel who can ruun that package. We’ve talked about it. we actually practiced it a little bit early on in the season. We have a small package. But it takes a certain amount of time and preparation to run a package like that.''

This week in practice, the Bucs' 'look squad' has had to simulate the Dolphins version of the wildcat for the starting defense.

(Quarterback) Josh Johnson is a guy who can do that,'' Olson said. "Peanut jumped in there and did it (Wednesday). He’s a guy who has the ability to throw the ball a little bit, although he missed on (at gadget play) Sunday.''

     

   

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant not sure if he'll play Sunday

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant (knee) said he's still not sure if he'll play Sunday against the Dolphins.

"That's not up to me - It's not my decision," he said. "I do what I'm supposed to do."

Bryant missed Sunday's game against the Packers and hasn't practiced since last Thursday, due to a left knee injury has lingered since preseason arthroscopic surgery. Bryant said the knee hasn't gotten worse, it's just swollen, and they've decided to give it some rest, to see if it will help it heal.

"We're just doing all the little things, because I never really sat out with it, I've always kind of been mobile, always been playing around," Bryant said. "I've just always been mobile, never really sat down and gave it the time to rest or heal. That's kind of what we did, what we decided to do."

Bryant said the game against New England was "probably the best I've felt, game-wise." "The best I've been able to be mobile," he said. "But for the most part, I go out there when I can, every Sunday and do what I'm supposed to do. That's all I can do."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

 

Freeman embarrassed over silly mistake

When QB Josh Freeman scrambled and dslid a yard shy of a first down on the fourth play from scrimmage on Sunday, he probably walked away a little red-faced.

That's according to offensive coordinator Greg Olson who is still ribbing his young quarterback about his gaffe. And Freeman is hearing it from someone else, too: Former Bucs QB Jeff Garcia. He called Olson and left a message that he asked the coach to play for Freeman.

"That was not what you expect to see from him," Olson said. "I said, 'I don't know where you learned that or practiced that.' Coming out of college, I'd never seen that from him. In the preseason, he never slid, so that was kind of shock to everybody.

"I got a phone message from Jeff Garcia who broke his nose last year trying to get a first down. He said, 'Let him listen to what I have to say about that.' We talked in the quarterback (meeting) room about that. 'What do you want your reputation in the league to be? You want to be a tough guy. You're 6-5 and 260 pounds.' We looked back on the replay and the two defenders who were coming up to tackle him weren't really aggressively coming at him. I think they were kind of backing up as he was going toward them. It was a good lesson for him."

Embarrassment will do that to you.

"He was embarrassed about it on Sunday, Olson said. "As part of playing that position, you have to have a short-term memory and you have to go out and play. But certainly, when it happened, he was hurt. He thought he was beyond (the marker). But it's where you give yourself up. It's not where (the defenders) touch you. So, we just cleaned up his thought process on the rules. . . I think he wants to be a tough guy and he is a big guy. Those guys should fear him a little bit."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers inspired by special guest, war veteran Brian Brennan

Lt. Brian Brennan has visited NFL teams before. He's met celebrities, and had his inspirational story told in front of national television audiences.

But at Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice Wednesday afternoon, Brennan may have experienced a first; he signed an autograph for an NFL player.  

Brennan, a 25-year-old Riverview resident, lost both of his legs in Afghanistan due to a roadside bomb, and suffered brain injuries that put him in a coma for about three weeks in 2008. Given little chance to live, Brennan miraculously worked his way back to recovery. And he's since gone back to work at MacDill Air Force Base.

On Wednesday, Veteran's Day, Brennan was introduced at the end of practice to Bucs players, who thanked him for his sacrifice. And Bucs center Jeff Faine - who has had relatives in three different wars - went even further, pulling off his right knee brace (which has an American flag on it) and asked Brennan for an autograph.

"I never thought I’d ever do anything like that, especially for someone like him to give me his knee brace to sign," Brennan said. "I’d give him stuff for him to sign for me. It’s a whole different world. It meant a great deal. That he really did appreciate it that much and he really thinks about my story, to have me sign."

Bucs GM Mark Dominik invited Brennan to One Buc Place as part of Dominik's "Operation; Welcome Home" Veterans Day initiative. The Bucs are going to help renovate Brennan's home to make it handicap compatible.

Jimmy Wilkerson and Maurice Stovall visited the home Tuesday, and Brennan - a huge Notre Dame fan - was given Stovall's jersey. Brennan's presence hit home for Dominik, who has had family members in the military.

"You don't understand the fact that less than 1 percent of our country actually volunteers for our country, yet 99-percent of us sometimes take for granted what they've done," Dominik said. "Today is one of those days where we need to say, 'Thank you,' and just remind everybody of all the great things our military does for us."

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Bucs starting WRs Bryant, Clayton not practicing

So much for gaining chemistry and timing between QB Josh Freeman and his receivers.

Starting wideouts Antonio Bryant (knee) and Michael Clayton (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Bryant missed Sunday's 38-28 win over the Green Bay Packers.

"A.B. is still fighting through the knee, so we'll just have to see,'' coach Raheem Morris said. "Hopefully, he can get better here soon and be able to give us some work.''

Defensive end Stylez G. White (shoulder) and quarterback Byron Leftwich (right elbow) also didn't practice. Guard Davin Joseph (ankle) had limited participation. Running back Clifton Smith (knee) had full participation.

White was injured late in Sunday's game against the Packers.

S Will Allen to injured reserve; CB Derrick Roberson promoted

The Bucs have made a flurry of moves this morning, chief among placing S Will Allen (thumb) on injured reserve.

Also today, the Bucs have promoted CB Derrick Roberson to the active roster from the practice squad, re-signed LB Matt McCoy, and placed LB Rod Wilson on injured reserve.

Allen suffered a broken thumb during Sunday's game against Green Bay. His injury is just the latest setback for the secondary. The Bucs lost S Jermaine Phillips (thumb) for the season in Week 2 while S Tanard Jackson was serving a four-game suspension. And last week, CB Elbert Mack was limited against Green Bay with a sprained ankle. His status will be updated today.

The loss of Allen moves backup Corey Lynch one notch higher on the depth chart. When Jackson left the game briefly on Sunday because of an unknown injury, Lynch took his place in the midst of a Packers drive.

Clifton Smith wins weekly special teams honor

RB/KR Clifton Smith was named the NFC's special teams player of the week for Week 9, the NFL announced today.

Smith earned the honor largely for his 83-yard kick return in the fourth quarter against Green Bay, a return that set up his offense for a pivotal touchdown in the Bucs' come-from-behind win. Smith finished with four punt returns for 54 yards (13.5 per attempt) and two kick returns for 107 yards (53.5 per attempt).

Rookie WR Sammie Stroughter, filling in for an injured Smith, won the honor in Week 6 for a kickoff-return touchdown.

Bucs place LB Rod Wilson on Injured Reserve

The Bucs have placed linebacker Rod Wilson on Injured Reserve.

Wilson is the Bucs backup middle linebacker to Barrett Ruud. The nature of his injury has not been announced.

With Wilson out, Adam Hayward may get some reps as the backup middle linebacker. 

Winning suits Bucs and Morris

Bucs coach Raheem Morris got rid of the Bucs losing streak -- and that knot that has lived in his stomach for seven weeks.

"No pressure is off. The only thing that comes off is that knot that sits in your stomach,'' Morris said. "You don't have it. It's really good, it's fun. This week will be a little more fun in the building. It's fun Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. All that stuff gets a little better. A little more exciting.

"This league is competitive and everybody wants to be in it. And the only way you stay in it is if you play well. All the guys in my locker room, they're so young, they're all fighting for their jobs. Everybody. Coaches, players, myself. We know that. So there is no quit. We don't have a veteran led team. We don't have a bunch of guys who can shut it down and say I'll be back next year because my contract says this. We just don't have that.''

Morris praised rookie quarterback Josh Freeman for his composure during his first NFL start. Freeman threw three touchdowns Sunday in Tampa Bay's 38-28 win over the Green Bay Packers.

After the game, Morris said he did not do anything to celebrate but received a lot of text messages and some phone calls from coaches and former players like Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp.

"I took Sapp's call because if I don't take his phone call, he'll yell at me,'' Morris said.

"There just wasn't a knot in my stomach. I do the same thing, I go home, see the family, chill out and watch other people be miserable. For me, it's the same deal. I didn't go out and throw a party or tear up Tampa.

"It was special getting the first win, it was good getting the first win.

Morris said the Bucs record will prevent them from spending too much time enjoying their win over the Packers. Tampa Bay plays at Miami Sunday.

"I don't think we can. We are 1-7. We're not competing for the NFC Championship game yet,'' Morris said. "They've got to come in this week and grow off what they did the week before. Hard work paid off. How they practiced last week in pads paid off.''

Morris did admit that he has instituted a little more discipline on his team lately. He took away their hip hop music during stretching and instituted a dress code for games.

"There's little things you can take way from these guys,'' Morris said. "Make them come to the game looking the right way, make them look like winners. Maybe yesterday the dress code changed everything.

"It's more of my little punishment deals. The music can come back. You can go to work in jeans and nice shirt and you're still the same person, but for me, it was more of a punishment deal. People might want their jeans back. People might want their music back. So in able to do that, we've got to do some winning. We've got to turn some things around. We've got to pay more attention to detail. That was my thought process. Just tighten up the screws a little bit to get these guys to tighten up the screws a little bit.''

 

Piscitelli's home ransacked and burglarized during Sunday's game

SS Sabby Piscitelli's joy of the season's first win was offset by the realization his South Tampa home had been burglarized while he was on the field at Raymond James Stadium.

Piscitelli was not available for comment on the matter today, but our Tampa news bureau has the details here.

Update on CB Aqib Talib's arraignment on misdemeanor battery charge

The arraignment for CB Aqib Talib's misdemeanor battery case came and went Monday morning without any major revelations.

A Talib attorney appeared, reaffirming that Talib waived his right for a speedy trial, and his right to appear (which is why Talib wasn't present). Talib's written plea of not guilty was officially entered, and another pre-trial hearing was set up for a later date.

It appears this case could drag out for a while - possibly even until after the Bucs season. Assistant state attorney Richard Ripplinger said it's not uncommon for misdemeanor cases to last six months to a year. That would be good for Talib, who likely wouldn't have to deal with any possible discipline from the team - or league - until the case was adjudicated.

Photo gallery: Bucs win first game of this season

Click hear to hear columnist Gary Shelton's analysis and to see more photos of the Bucs win over the Packers

Did Packers underestimate the Buccaneers?

Coach Mike McCarthy said they didn't, but the question had to be asked. But McCarthy did admit he was worried about his team's demeanor entering the game, especially coming off an emotional loss to rival Minnesota last week.

"We were concerned as a team coming in here," McCarthy. "I don't care who you play or what their record is, especially when you play a team on the road after a bye, it's a little bit more of a challenge. I'm not trying to make excuses. We did not play at the level that we needed to play at for four quarters today and that starts with me."

McCarthy spoke of the Packers' inability to handle the emotional situations the game presented.

"We need to handle the adversity that is in front of us," he said. "We didn't handle the adversity of the way that game went up and down. That starts with me."

Buccaneers post-game injury update

A few injury issues to tie up after the Buccaneers' win here at Raymond James Stadium.

S Will Allen appears to have a broken right thumb after X-rays revealed a crack. He was wearing a cast after the game but doesn't yet know whether he'll need surgery. His injury might not seem that big on the surface, but it does affect the depth at safety a great deal. After his injury, Tanard Jackson had to leave briefly with an unknown injury. That's when little-known Corey Lynch was pressed into action.

CB Elbert Mack played most of the first half but didn't play in the second half. Turns out, that was because of a badly-sprained right ankle that was very swollen afterward. He suffered the injury on Thursday in practice and said he knew it might affect his availability today. Torrie Cox finished the game as the nickel CB and played fairly solid.

WR Antonio Bryant said it wasn't his decision to sit out the game. He indicated doctors and coaches overruled him. Though it seems it was his decision to sit out of practice on Thursday and Friday, he apparently did so in hopes his knee injury would make enough progress to allow him to play today. It's too early to say where Bryant stands for next week.

Raheem Morris on rookie QB Josh Freeman: 'He has to lead us'

Raheem Morris, fresh off a Gatorade bath courtesy of Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward, was ecstatic about his first victory as a head coach.

Afterward, there were plenty of questions from the assembled media about QB Josh Freeman, who helped will the Bucs to the win and finished 14 of 31 for 205 yards with three TDs and one interception.

"We still have to be patient," Morris said of Freeman. "We still have to let him grow. He made some mistakes he can go back and look at that will allow him to get better an better. . . His age doesn't matter at this point. He has to (play like) a 7-year vet. He has to lead us where we need to go."

Asked about Freeman orchestrating a come-from-behind win in his first start, Morris said composure was one of the things that attracted the team to Freeman.

"It was why we brought him in here, why we brought him in to lead this franchise," Morris said. "I am sure you (reporters) can feel how poised he was out there, never really rattled. (He) made some mistakes, which all young quarterbacks do. . . When he goes out there, you feel that you have a chance to win, you have the ability to win."

Freeman's performance isn't a total surprise to me. I think a lot of his most impressive throws are a result of the kind of pedigree he has. But what did come as a surprise was his ability to evade the pass rush while still keeping the option to throw. Whereas Byron Leftwich has no mobility and Josh Johnson tends to run before exploring all his options, Freeman found a balance between running and holding out a little longer.

He made some gaffes, as Morris admitted. He took a sack inside his own 5-yard line. He slid short of a first down in a third-and-short situation. He floated a ball into traffic and was picked off. But he offsets that by making impressive throws like the one to Sammie Stroughter for the game-winning touchdown and an earlier out route thrown across his body to Kellen Winslow that picked up a key first down. 

Who knows what happens next week and beyond? But, for the first time in a long time, it sure looks like the Bucs have something to work with at a position that has hamstrung them for years.

Stephen F. Holder blogs throughout Bucs-Packers

Times beat reporter Stephen F. Holder will blog live from Raymond James Stadium throughout the game between the Bucs and Green Bay Packers. Feel free to follow along and leave a comment or question if you like.

Antonio Bryant sits out throwback day with knee injury

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant is out today as his knee injury continues to linger.

Bryant was unable to practice Thursday and Friday and said he has had extensive swelling in the left knee during the past week-plus. His loss will greatly affect the options available to rookie QB Josh Freeman, who is making his first career start.

Maurice Stovall will start in Bryant's place opposite Michael Clayton. Rookie Sammie Stroughter will continue to play in the slot as usual.

My two cents on new Bucs QB Josh Freeman

There is no shortage of opinions on rookie Josh Freeman and how he is or isn't a good choice to quarterback the Buccaneers.

The last thing anyone needs is another know-it-all to proclaim how well or poorly he will play. That's not why I'm here. As beat writers, we're paid to observe -- not opine. So, here goes.

During this time of year, the media is barred from watching all but the first half hour of practice, a portion that consists mostly of stretching and individual drills. But during training camp and the preseason, we were permitted to watch practices in their entirety. I didn't miss a single workout, so that gave me a better sense for Freeman than practically anyone not employed by the team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris' Friday quotes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris' Friday quotes, courtesy of the Bucs:

(On Antonio Bryant not practicing today)
"It's never good when you don't practice; that will always be an issue. He's missed a bunch of practices this year. We've got him on the questionable list right now. We've just get him to the game and see if he's going to go."

(On if Bryant has had his knee checked out again)
"Our doctors are in constant communication with him. He has his own doctors, so we all look at it. It's been double-checked. He's gone back in, he's looking at it again, helping it out, seeing what he can do to get better."

(On if Bryant aggravated his original knee injury)
"I don't know if it was an aggravation. I think it was just a fighting issue. He was out here this week, too. I don't have any true doctor terms for you, but I'm sure he'll be trying to play and fighting to play."

Long flight might keep Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant grounded

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant can't commit to playing Sunday because of a setback in his left knee injury that has lingered since a preseason arthroscopic surgery.

Bryant believes the 9-hour flight home from London caused the extensive swelling he suffered last week. He hasn't felt well enough to practice Thursday or today. Now, he'll have to decide whether he feels it's prudent to push himself through a game at less than full health given the constant setbacks with the knee.

"It doesn't do me any good to go out there and be good for a couple of games and then be right back in the same situation," he said. "I just have to sit on it."

Bryant said he feels he has a chance to play Sunday against the Packers in rookie QB Josh Freeman's debut. But he probably won't know until he's evaluated before kickoff.

As for his decision not to practice during the last two workouts, he made reference to his lack of a long-term contract, jokingly saying, "I'm not Michael Clayton." Bryant is on a one-year franchise-player tender that pays him $9.88 million guaranteed but offers not assurances beyond this season.Clayton received a five-year deal in the offseason.

About the swollen knee, Bryant said, "That plane ride, that didn't help me. I was good for like two weeks. My knee looked the same and I probably ran the best I had ran all season. Then, next thing I know, I get on that plane coming back (to Tampa), I get up to use the bathroom and it's like, 'Oh!' It was back. I fell asleep, and we were in coach. We're all crunched up."

Not moving the knee allowed it to stiffen and swell, and that's when the problems set in.

"The swelling up shut down the quad, too," he said. "It doesn't help, especially for my position with all the running and cutting. It's not like a (defensive) end or a lineman or something."

In the end, Sunday will be decision day.

"I don't know yet. It's all about going to the stadium," he said. "Coach will let me know. If he lets the dogs out, then I'm going. If not, then hey, it's all about longevity."

Video: Current Bucs can learn from the 1979 squad

The 2009 Bucs can learn from the 1979 squad, which will be honored at Sunday's game against the Packers, Times sports columnist Gary Shelton says in this video clip from "The Lineup,'' 6-6:30 p.m. weeknights on Bright House Sports Network.

Kickin' Back with Cadillac Williams

Does Bucs and former Auburn running back Cadillac Williams hate Alabama? Did the Crimson Tide recruit him heavily? And how is Williams' bowling game? Learn the answers to these questions and more by watching this audio slide show, hosted by Times beat reporter Stephen F. Holder.

Check out Sunday's Times to read the entire interview.

[DANIEL WALLACE | Times]

Tampa Bay Bucs injury report: Bryant (knee) and Mack (ankle) limited

Though Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib was back to full participation at practice Thursday, a few new names popped up on the injury front.

WR Antonio Bryant was limited due to his knee, but coach Raheem Morris said it's the same injury that's bothered him all season. Elbert Mack injured his ankle in practice today, and he was limited.

The rest were full participation.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Your Bucs questions answered

You wanted to know why the Bucs' rebuilding effort has been so drastic. Whether Raheem Morris, Cadillac Williams or Jeremy Trueblood will return next season. And more. Times beat reporter Rick Stroud took your questions for more than an hour duirng a live chat this afternoon. Click below to replay the chat.