Final roster spot filled

The Bucs promoted receiver Michael Spurlock to the active roster from the practice squad, filling the vacant roster spot created Wednesday when Torrie Cox was moved to injured reserve.

They also added Chad Lucas to the practice squad one day after he was released from the active roster.

Okay, we know what you're thinking: who? Well, Spurlock has been on the practice for some time now. He played his college ball at Mississippi but wasn't drafted. The 5-11, 200-pound 24-year old is probably going to be used mostly on special teams, though he could be pressed into duty as a receiver if necessary. Michael Clayton is not a lock to play against Arizona on Sunday.

Not sure whether this means the Bucs aren't interested in Mike Williams. But something I failed to consider yesterday was this: it was Raiders coach Lane Kiffin (Monte's son) who waived Williams. Wonder how that might influence the Bucs' opinion of him. I'm sure they'd ask for Lane's thoughts before expressing interest in a guy who has fallen woefully short of expectations.

On another note, Cox says he tore the ACL in his left leg, which is the same injury he sustained as a rookie in 2003.

Comments

[Mike]

I understand that he was cut but do you think $$ played a part in it? I know he wouldn't have been cut if he was performing but I am not sure what his cap value is. Did his rookie contract carry over in the trade from Detroit to Oakland? If so, his cap value for 2006 was $1.798 million which is certainly a first rounder's wages. Escalating to 2007 , it is obviously higher. That could have something to do with him not earning his pay therefore being released.

[Mike]

Kinda like Ryan Sims.

[Stephen_Holder]

Good point... you're absolutely right. the rookie contract did transfer over to Oakland in the trade, so that's certainly a factor. That's why, I think, no one made a waiver claim on him -- because they would have to absorb his salary too.

[Andy]

WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!is that

[Tom]

For what it's worth, here's Roy Cummings midseason report card. This will really get you Gruden-haters fired up!!

Coaching: It may not result in a trip to the playoffs, but Coach Jon Gruden is having one of his best coaching years ever. He's softened on the shotgun, which has worked to the Bucs' advantage; he's sticking with the running game when he falls behind; and he's consistently finding ways to get the matchups he wants through his play calling. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is having one of his best years as well. It's not easy to get three new assistant coaches and half a dozen or more new players all in tune with your system in a short period of time, but he's done it. He's also adapted well to the personnel he has by adding some new wrinkles that help to make up for the lack of elite-level pass rushers. That's the sign of a good coach. Grade: A

[John P]

Well Tom, glad you found someone to commiserate with, lol. Like everything else, the proof is in the wins and losses. So, based on that I'd give Gruden a solid C for the first half of the year. Not terrible, but not good enough to save his job, either. Make the playoffs - or else its unemployment for Jon boy.

[Tom]

John P, you said earlier that it doesn't matter if we make the playoffs. Gruden should be fired regardless. That's why I was jumping on you for making such a ridiculous statment. So, have you calmed down a bit and ready to get back on the bandwagon for the game on Sunday?

[Tom]

Btw, look to the right of your screen. That's the Lombardi trophy! Without Gruden, you would have never known what it was like to win a championship. He brought you Jurevicius, McCardell, Oben and Pittman. All were crucial to have an offense just good enough to win it all. Give the man some credit.

[DR]

And what has the offensive mastermind brought in since, Tom? It will be 10 years from now, Gruden will have 8 losing seasons and you will still blame McKay and say that Gruden is rebuilding this team-he won a super bowl, whoopty do. Like I said, Gruden is the 21st century Barry Switzer. You seem to forget that Gruden took over a GREAT team. You seem to forget that Gruden has had 3 losing seasons in 4 years since. Rebuilding??? You rebuild a team with a 37 year old QB and a 35 year old WR and nothing but failures from the draft on the offensive side- from a self proclaimed "offensive genious"? The future is bleak. Seriously, how many years does your offensive have to suck before you stop calling Gruden an offensive coach? He's terrible.