Fieldler could be back

The decision to release Jay Fiedler now was made so the Bucs have the option to bring him back in a few weeks.

Had Fiedler been placed on the reserve Physically Unable to Perform list, he would not have been eligible to return for at least six weeks.

The Bucs rolled the dice that Fiedler would recover from shoulder surgery in time to start the season. It's pretty obvious they would prefer him to veteran Tim Rattay. But Fiedler is making some noise about having an arthroscopic procedure on his shoulder, which isn't good news.

It's had to believe quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett spent all that extra time after practice in training camp working with Fiedler for nothing. But this kind of thing has happened before. Remember former Bears quarterback Jim Miller?

The difference is the Bucs really were somewhat banking on Fiedler being ready. That's okay. They have his number on speed dial.

As for the signing of Broncos free agent Cornell Green, it's the biggest sign yet that the club has given up on Torrin Tucker, who has not done much this off-season because of an arthritic knee condition. Plus, Kenyatta Walker is not exactly a picture of health and Green can play both left and right tackle positions.