Catch the ball

Monday morning brought a spirited practice for the Bucs in the only full-squad workout of the day. The afternoon workout will be exclusively special teams.

The deep ball was a recurring theme, with quarterbacks Chris Simms and rookie Bruce Gradkowski airing it out. Small problem though: The receivers need to manage to catch those balls. Drops continued to plague the Bucs as they did all weekend. Michael Clayton, right, Maurice Stovall and David Boston were among those who dropped passes Monday.

Also, linebackers Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles sat out practice just to give their aging legs a break. Neither is injured and both should return Tuesday. Rookie defensive end Charles Bennett sat out with a hamstring injury and could be sidelined for a while, according to coach Jon Gruden.