Garcia practices some; decision on Sunday

Injured quarterback Jeff Garcia returned to practice on a limited basis Friday, the first positive sign that he might be well enough to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

It's the first time Garcia has felt well enough to participate in practice since suffering a severe lower back contustion against the Redskins last Sunday.

"I'm getting better and taking steps in the right direction,'' Garcia said. "I feel a lot better than I thought I would.''

Coach Jon Gruden said he was encouraged by Garcia's progress but said the Bucs have prepared someone to replace him under center if necessary.

"I don't know (if he will play),'' Gruden said. "He did some things today, which is very encouraging. He's getting better, so I don't really know. But I'm very optimistic after today.

"He practiced. He showed up and practiced, which is a huge step in the right direction. He's not 100 percent right now but he's closing in on getting well enough to play.

"Maybe in another 48 hours he'll make more great improvement and be ready to go. We're optimistic, yet we've prepared ourselves to go in another direction if we have to.''

It's no longer a secret that Luke McCown, the team's No. 3 quarterback the past 10 games, is likely who would start Sunday if Garcia is unable to play. McCown took the majority of snaps with the first-team offense in practice this week while Bruce Gradkowski ran the scout squad offense.

"I don't really want to announce that,'' Gruden said. "No disrespect to anybody. But we've prepared two young guys to play. I just don't want to say anything until I no Jeff's official status. We'll go from there.''

Gradkowski went 9-of-19 for 100 yards in relief of Garcia but failed to produced touchdowns on three of the four fumble recoveries by the Bucs' defense. Gruden said either Gradkowski or McCown would be better prepared to play because of the reps they received in practice this week.

"We'll be better prepared,'' Gruden said. "You're idle for 11 or 12 weeks. And you know, you sometimes put a gameplan together for a quarterback, too. You don't necessarily run the same plays with you at quarterback or if I was at quarterback or he was at quarterback. A lot of things go into that. But he'll be better prepared because he's had an opportunity to practice.''

(Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

   

   

    

Galloway looking for another milestone

This is an interesting stat I wasn't aware of: I'm told Joey Galloway has at least one touchdown reception in his past six games against the Saints. On Sunday, he can become just the third player since 1970 to record touchdown receptions in at least seven consecutive games against a single opponent.

That's a pretty impressive feat. Of course, the quarterback play on Sunday will have a lot to say about whether Galloway can pull this off. This would be yet more history for Galloway, who last month surpassed 10,000 career receiving yards.

If you're interested, the only two players to accomplish this are former Cardinals receiver Mel Gray (1974-78) and former Bengals receiver Isaac Curtis (1973-76).

VIP visitor at One Buc Place

The Bucs had a little diversion today: country star Charlie Daniels was in town today and took in the Bucs' practice.

Afterward, he he met Jon Gruden and mingled with a few players. Everyone seemed to get a kick out of the whole thing.

Apparently, some guys on the roster are big fans. Asked who arranged the visit, Gruden said, "He's actually a friend of some of our players. I can't take credit for anything but I'm certainly happy to meet him. I'll tune in to The Devil Went Down to Georgia while I'm doing my scripts for tomorrow. . .  We’ve had a chance, obviously, to meet some neat people, but Charlie Daniels ranks close to the top, if not at the very top. He's a heck of a guy."

Ironic that Daniels showed up on Thursday. Just before practice, guard Dan Buenning was blasting a country tune or two from the stereo in his locker (in an apparent attempt to annoy the hell out of his locker-room neighbor and part-time rapper, OL Anthony Davis. I think it worked, too).

Report: Kiffin not among Nebraska finalists

ESPN.com is reporting that Nebraska has narrowed the list of candidates for its vacant coaching job to University of Buffalo coach Turner Gill and LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.

The report can be found here.

Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin didn't confirm nor deny interest in the job, which has been open since Bill Callahan was fired on Saturday. But Kiffin played and coached at Nebraska and his name was mentioned during the school's last coaching search. He seemed intrigued during interviews in recent days.

Kiffin's son, Lane, fueled speculation when he mentioned in a recent interview that his father would have taken the job back in 2003 and still might if offered. But if either of the two reported finalists accept, it doesn't seem the call will come.

This just in: Garcia still sore

Now, there's a headline you've already seen. Well guess what: get ready to ready it some more.

Jeff Garcia says he's still very sore from the lower back bruise he sustained against the Redskins and had nothing positive to offer in a recently-completed press conference.

"I've had better days," Garcia cracked.

Asked about the chances he'll practice this week, Garcia was not optimistic.

"Right now, I'm not ready to test it in any sort of way," he said. "I don't think that would be a smart move on my behalf as far as needing to get where I need to be in order to play in a game. To go out there to try to run around and throw the ball, I think, would create a negative effect instead of a positive effect."

My projection: Garcia won't play against the Saints. It's not worth it to the Bucs to put him out there. His lack of mobility could prevent him from eluding the pass rush and then all sorts of bad things can happen. And considering how sore his back is, he probably won't be very accurate with his throws because he is so emcumbered by the back. Probably smarter to get him well for the stretch run and the playoffs.

Stay tuned. When we know more you'll know more.

Pittman still hurting; Ratliff cut

During a conversation I had with him this morning, running back Michael Pittman (ankle) said the rumblings about his potential move to injured reserve are misguided.

But that doesn't mean the veteran is ready to return to the lineup. Right now, he is pretty much conceding this week. His goal, he said is to be back for next weekend's game at Houston or for the Bucs' return to RayJay the following week (Dec. 16) for the Atlanta game.

With Pittman's looming absence, the Bucs announced they have promoted running back Lionel Gates to the active roster. Gates took the spot of cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, who was released. The former Gator didn't appear in either of the two games that were played while he was on the active roster. We hardly knew ya, Keiwan.

Hopefully Jon Gruden will share some more concrete news on the quarterback situation this afternoon, so check back later. My gut tells me he won't go there, but we'll ask him anyway for the fun of it.

Looks like McCown's the guy

It appears quarterback Luke McCown is being prepped to start in New Orleans in the event Jeff Garcia is sidelined because of his lower back bruise.

McCown is expected to take the reps during workouts this week, meaning coach Jon Gruden likely has decided to make a change at the No. 2 quarterback position. Gruden said earlier in the week that his No. 2 quarterback would get all the preparation for Sunday's game rather than splitting snaps between McCown and Bruce Gradkowski.

Gradkowski played in relief of the injured Garcia but finished 9 of 19 for 106 yards.

Trotter update

For a guy who has played in just one game, Jeremiah Trotter's name comes up a lot around here. People often want to know what's going on with him.

So, I figured I'd find out. If you're interested, check out the story in today's paper on Trotter by clicking here.

You have to admire how he's handled this humbling situation. But the reality is that Trotter might be done after this season. I get the feeling there weren't many teams lining up for his services when he was released from Philadelphia. Otherwise, why in the world would he come to Tampa, where the system doesn't suit him and he has little chance to get on the field?

Great guy, great leader and a great player, but I suspect the end is near for him.

Garcia can't commit to playing on Sunday

Jeff Garcia made his weekly radio appearance on 620-AM this morning and made it clear his bruised back is severe enough to sideline him against the Saints.

Asked if he thought he could play at New Orleans on Sunday, Garcia said, "I can't even really say that right now."

He added that he still can't throw a football because of the discomfort and lack of mobility. Garcia also doesn't have any indication on when he might return to practice this week, though it's possible he could play without any practice time.

The Bucs, per usual, are off today and return to practice on Wednesday. It's not clear whether Bruce Gradkowski or Luke McCown will take the first-team snaps. Coach Jon Gruden said Monday the backup quarterback job will be evaluated this week and might result in the swapping of current No. 2 Gradkowski and No. 3 McCown.

Which was the real Sean Taylor?

Friends, colleagues and the media today are attempting to get a clearer picture of the real Sean Taylor, the Washington Redskins player who died earlier from a gunshot wound in Miami.

The former Miami Hurricane was known on the field for his trash-talking and vicious hits. (He was once ejected and fined for spitting on Buccaneer running back Michael Pittman in 2006.) Off the field, former teammates said he was more caring but private.

"For being as visible and flamboyant a player as he is on the field, he is very reserved and soft-spoken off it,"  Joel Rodriguez told the Miami Herald. Rodriguez played three years with Taylor at UM. "It's not what you'd expect from a guy with that type of talent and mean streak."

But there's also the Sean Taylor who in 2005 was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm after pulling a gun and throwing a punch during a fight. (Click here to read more of the Miami Herald report.) Taylor was fined at least seven times for late hits, uniform violations and other infractions over his first three seasons, according to one AP report.

But teammates said Taylor turned himself around after the birth of his daughter in May 2006. "It's hard to expect a man to grow up overnight," Redskins and UM teammate Clinton Portis told the AP."But ever since he had his child, it was like a new Sean, and everybody around here knew it."

Here are some other features about Taylor from other websites:

• Photo gallery from Fort Lauderdale's Sun-Sentinel's website;
• Guest book from Sun-Sentinel website;
• Timeline of Sean Taylor;
• Photo gallery from Miami Herald;
• Taylor stopped for DUI (2004) from Miami Herald;
• Ex-UM star 'of interest' in shootings from Miami Herald.

Couple thoughts on Sean Taylor

This has nothing to do with the Bucs, but watching all the coverage of Sean Taylor's death, I feel compelled to say a little something.

This thing has really hit home for me. I covered Sean briefly during his high school career and later when I was assigned to cover the University of Miami for the Miami Herald.

Even then, Sean never said a whole lot. There was always a sense of mystery about him. But he was one of the most passionate football players you'll ever see, even before becoming a first-round pick and Pro Bowl selection. If you've ever seen him hit an opponent with that typical breathtaking force, you know he could convey that quite well without ever saying a word.

Even in high school, Sean was special. The kid set a state record for touchdowns in this football hotbed -- this from a player who turned out to be even better on defense. We're left to wonder how good he could have become seeing how he was just 24.

He was an imperfect individual. Spitting in Michael Pittman's face in that 2005 playoff game was not exactly a classy move. He was a brash and unapologetic player. And he has had a couple of brushes with the law, though his involvement in a 2004 shooting incident was deemed somewhat peripheral.

Thankfully, Clinton Portis, one of Taylor's closest friends, said Taylor seemed to have changed since the birth of his daughter last year. Regardless, no one deserves to be shot dead in their own home. Hopefully, someone can make some sense of this tragedy, because right now it seems unexplainable.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Taylor family.

Bryant named Bucs' 'Man of the Year'

Kicker Matt Bryant has been named the Bucs' 2007 Man of the Year for his work on and off the football field, according to a team news release. As the Bucs' finalist for this year's NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Bryant received $1,000 for the March of Dimes Florida Bay Division, the nonprofit organization of his choice.

According to the release, Bryant has honored sailors on board the USS Bainbridge at the Port of Tampa, raised money for All Children's Hospital of Tampa at the Bucs' charity golf tournament, taught football fundamentals to Special Olympics Athletes during the team's training camp, rode along with a Tampa police officer to commemorate Sept. 11 and visited hospitalized pediatric patients across Tampa Bay.

In May, he was named spokesperson for Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum's Child Predator CyberCrimes Unit, which protects children from computer-based exploitation and harassment. He and wife, Melissa, chaired the 2007 Tampa Tailgate Kickoff to a Cure to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in September. Earlier this month, Bryant and his family were named Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes Florida Bay Division, with whom the Bryants have worked to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality since their son Tre was born prematurely in 2006. Further, Bryant hosts a charitable group at every home game through Bryant's Bucaroos, a ticket program he has sponsored since 2006.

The 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which recognize's on- and off-the-field excellence, will be selected by a blue ribbon panel and recognized at a news conference during Super Bowl week in Arizona.

(Pictured: Matt Bryant, right, with punter Josh Bidwell. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Garcia's status still undetermined

Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia's status won't be determined until later in the week, coach Jon Gruden said.

Garcia suffered a deep bruise to his lower back against the Redskins on Sunday, limiting his mobility and causing severe pain.

"I know he is in pain," Gruden said. "His status will be day to day. . . We're going to evaluate it. So, the best I can do right now is see where he is tomorrow and the following day."

If Garcia were unable to play at New Orleans on Sunday, it's not clear who the Bucs would turn to at quarterback. After Bruce Gradkowski's poor performance against Washington, Gruden said he and his staff will re-evaluate the No. 2 quarterback spot. Luke McCown could be promoted after further consultation with assistant coaches, but Gruden was noncommittal about his plans.

(Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Bruised lower back for Garcia

Because I know you're all holding your breath, here's the deal: Jeff Garcia has a lower back bruise and likely will be considered day to day as the Bucs begin preparations for next Sunday's game at New Orleans.

Garcia played only 10 snaps against Washington today, even though coach Jon Gruden said team trainers were convinced he could not do further damage to the injury by playing through it.

The reason Gruden left Garcia on the sidelines as long as he did -- inserting him on the game's next-to-last offensive series -- was because the coach wasn't convinced Garcia would have enough mobility to play. He also was concerned the injury would be a mental distraction for Garcia.

"He's tough as heck," Gruden said. "He wanted to go back in and play several times. He just didn't have the mobility. He just didn't look right on the sidelines."

Meanwhile, while waiting for Gruden to decide to let him into the lineup, Garcia was growing impatient. But he acknowledged that he felt a lot of discomfort.

"I am sore right now," he said afterward. "It was a painful day, but one that we can fortunately smile about with the outcome of the game. I just took a shot in the lower back, right between the rib cage and the hip bone, almost like a kidney shot and it was pretty deep. I feel like I just bruised muscles that weren't allowing me to loosen up or use those back muscles. It felt like when I tried to bend over, try to utilize my back, it felt like it was giving out."

In the end, I'd be surprised if this injury is muhc of a factor this week. Knowing Garcia, he'll fight through it. Hopefully Jon Gruden has more of an update in Monday morning's press conference. We'll bring you the details on that, as usual.

Ready for Redskins-Bucs

We're awaiting kickoff here at Raymond James Stadium where the 6-4 Bucs are about to host the 5-5 Redskins.

This is shaping up to be a tough one for Tampa Bay despite Washington's .500 record. This team posted over 400 yards of offense against a stout Cowboys defense last week and nearly pulled off the upset. This will be the biggest in several weeks for Tampa Bay.

And the Bucs will have to play this one without Michael Pittman, as expected. Pittman is inactive today after aggravating that sprained ankle. Also inactive are QB Luke McCown, CB Keiwan Ratliff, LB Jeremiah Trotter, G Dan Buenning, TE Keith Heinrich, DE Greg Spires, DT Greg Peterson.

As you might know, Washington S Sean Taylor is out with a knee injury for the second straight week. That's a huge loss for a secondary that already has been vulnerable this season. In their past three games, Washington has given up nine touchdown passes. That's ugly.

Stay tuned for my comments and analysis throughout the afternoon by clicking on the comments tab below.

(Pictured: Joey Galloway. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Next up at Nebraska: Monte Kiffin?

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has flirted with a couple of head-coaching jobs over the years. He once entertained an offer from the 49ers and last year took his name out of contention for the Rams' job.

But it's not out of the question that his name comes up for another big opening: the one at Nebraska.

As you might know, the Huskers fired Bill Callahan today and will be looking for a new coach. Kiffin, of course, played at Nebraska in the early 1960s and later served as defensive coordinator in the 1970s.

And I'm not just pulling this out of the sky. Here's the reason I think this is plausible: Monte's son and Raiders head coach, Lane, recently told Jim Rome in an interview that his father would have accepted the Nebraska job the last time it was open and still might if ever offered the gig.

That's a pretty reliable source if you ask me. We raised the subject with Monte a couple weeks ago just for the heck of it, and he kind of laughed it off. Didn't expect him to say anything of consequence at that point because Callahan hadn't even been fired. But you have to think 'what if' has at least crossed his mind. The very fact that Lane seems so sure of this fact is a pretty good indication it's probably come up around the dinner table a time or two.

Age is certainly a factor, seeing how Kiffin is 67. And having to hit the recruiting trail and work with kids a third his age might be something of a challenge. But Kiffin still has plenty of energy as far as I can tell, so who knows?

Just something to keep in the back of your heads as the season winds down.

Pittman doubtful against Redskins

Don't expect to see running back Michael Pittman against the Redskins on Sunday.

Coach Jon Gruden just informed us that Pittman will be listed as doubtful on today's official injury report, meaning there is only a 25 percent chance he will play. Pittman aggravated his ankle sprain when he returned to the lineup last week against the Falcons.

Pittman said afterward he might have returned prematurely. Earnest Graham will start again with Michael Bennett expected to get some work a week after remaining inactive against Atlanta.

No Pittman in Wednesday's practice

It appears Michael Pittman aggravated his ankle injury by returning -- in his words -- a little too early against the Falcons on Sunday.

Pittman told me after the game he "couldn't concentrate really because I hadn't been hit and didn't know what my ankle would do. I wasn't myself. . . I kind of wish I would have waited another week."

And the fact that he couldn't practice Wednesday is a pretty good indication he did further damage to his ankle by rushing back into the lineup. It's ironic that Pittman had been insisting to reporters for weeks that he would be ready to go much sooner than his doctors predicted because he's a quick healer. Pittman told me the previous week that he nearly attempted to play against Arizona before the bye, until he was overruled by the team trainer and Jon Gruden.

At this point, it's not certain what Pittman's status is for Sunday's game. Whatever happens, this is why Gruden has been extremely cautious when talking about the return of injured players the past few weeks. Until he sees what they do on game day, Gruden has repeatedly said he doesn't care what the player tells him. It's all about what the players shows him.

Adams gets a sack. . . on Wednesday?

This just in: Gaines Adams got a sack today.

That's right. The NFL stat keepers, in reviewing film of Sunday's Bucs-Falcons game, credited Adams with a sack and forced fumble on the play on which nose tackle Chris Hovan appeared to have made an interception of Byron Leftwich.

That means, Hovan loses the interception -- the first of his career -- and will be credited with a fumble recovery instead. So, officially, Leftwich's arm was not yet moving forward in a throwing motion, based on this ruling.

This wasn't something the Bucs appealed to the NFL, according to the PR staff. The news was just recently delivered and passed on to us. From what I understand, all games are reviewed for official scoring purposes, so I suppose this kind of thing happens from time to time.

Oftentimes, when there's a question regarding whether or not a quarterback was in the process of making a throw, there will be a replay challenge. There was no challenge on this occasion because Hovan caught the ball in midair. Either way, it was going to be the Bucs' ball via fumble or interception.

For the record, Adams now has 3.5 sacks for the season, including two against Atlanta.

Flex scheduling for dummies

Apparently, I need to pick up a copy.

Made a little error in that previous posting. Thanks to "HockeyBob", whoever you are. I incorrectly interpreted the rules regarding the flex scheduling for weeks 11 through 17.

I initially said the Bucs' Dec. 23 game at San Francisco could only be replaced by any of the three games scheduled for 4 p.m. that day -- none of which are attractive matchups. As it turns out, the early games are fair game, too. I believe I misread the policy when I skimmed it earlier.

So, knowing this, I agree with HockeyBob that there's very little chance the game stays in prime time. I can't see NBC going for it. For one, the Bucs are not a huge draw nationally. Secondly, the 49ers are -- how can we put this succinctly? -- horrible. I don't think they need any additional reasons.

Game time changed for N.O.

I know many of you travel to the Bucs games in New Orleans, so take note of this. Kickoff for the Dec. 2 game at the Superdome has been changed from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The league allowed the change under its flex scheduling policy that is in place beginning in Week 11. The thinking here is that a bigger TV audience will see the game, the thinking being that it will be a pivotal matchup in terms of the division standings. Guess the Bucs are a bigger draw than we thought.

It remains to be seen whether the Dec. 23 game at San Francisco will keep its prime-time slot. It's currently slated to be the NBC night game with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. But the network and league could elect to swap that game for another. Since only late afternoon games can be moved to the Sunday night slot, the choices would be Atlanta at Arizona, N.Y. Jets at Tennessee or Baltimore at Seattle. Doesn't seem, as of now, that any of those those are particularly intriguing.

Players will rally around June

   Cato June's arrest for DUI early Monday should not be a distraction to the team's preparation for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.

   June will have some of his attention elsewhere as the legal wheels continue turning. But linebacker Derrick Brooks said players will rally around June, one of the most popular players in the Bucs' locker room.

   ""We have to (rally around him),'' Brooks said. ""This has been a team that has always backed each other through trial and it's not going to change now. Believe me, when we really get a grip on what happened, we're going to hug him, man, and obviously learn from his mistake. He's going to learn from his mistake and we're going to move on. It's nothing we're going to harp on.''

   

       

Gruden on Cato June's arrest, Michigan job

Bucs coach Jon Gruden didn't seem to appreciate the tone of questions from a local television reporter about linebacker Cato June's arrest and the coaching opening at Michigan during Gruden's news conference Monday at One Buc Place.

Asked "Does Cato June have a drinking problem?'' at the start of the news conference, Gruden gave the reporter a hard stare before responding, "I don't have any comment on that right now other than we're very concerned. We're getting all the facts. It's a serious matter.''

June was arrested in Tampa at 3 a.m. and charged with DUI, hours after the Bucs' 31-7 victory over the Falcons Sunday in Atlanta.

The same reporter followed with a question about whether Gruden allows his players to drink on the team plane.

"I'm not going to comment,'' Gruden said. "I have a strong opinion on Cato June. He's a great young man and as we gather all the information, we'll make an announcement.''

Later in the news conference, the reporter asked Gruden about a report linking him to the head coaching job at Michigan following Lloyd Carr's retirement.

"I really don't know who you are, man,'' a perturbed Gruden responded, "but you're throwing me some fastballs.''

Addressing the question, Gruden said, "I have what I think is the best job in all of football. I'm very happy to be here.''

Gruden said the Bucs will address June's situation ''privately'' and didn't believe it would be a distraction for his team, which is 6-4 and leads the NFC South by two games over New Orleans and Carolina entering Sunday's game against Washington.

June isn't the only current or former Buc to have DUI-related problems this year.

Ex-Bucs receiver David Boston was arrested and charged with DUI in August in Pinellas Park after police found him slumped over the wheel of his SUV with the car running and in drive. A urinalysis later revealed that Boston had GHB in his system, and the Bucs released him.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $3,160 after being convicted of DUI in Scottsdale, Ariz. Stevens was arrested in March, a month before he was signed by the Bucs.

(Pictured: Cato June. AP photo/Hillsborough County Jail. Click to enlarge.)

June arrested on DUI charge

Tampa - Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cato June was arrested early Monday on a charge of DUI, according to a jail booking log.

June, who turned 28 Sunday, was arrested at 2:52 a.m. at Osborne Avenue W and Dale Mabry Highway. He is being held in jail on $500 bond.

-- Abhi Raghunathan

Times Staff Writer

[Brian Cassella | Times photo]

Live from Bucs-Falcons

Okay, it's time for today's big NFC South matchup at the Georgia Dome, which, by the way, is pretty darned empty. It's pretty sad.

Anyhow, today's inactives for the Bucs are RB Michael Bennett, CB Keiwan Ratliff, LB Jeremiah Trotter, G Dan Buenning, TE Keith Heinrich, DE Greg Spires, DT Greg Peterson and QB Luke McCown.

Gaines Adams gets his second consecutive start, so we'll get a chance to see whether he follows up his encouraging performance from the Arizona game.

Michael Pittman and Michael Clayton are both a go, so expect to see them take active roles in the offense. Pittman's return apparently has pushed Bennett out of the picture, as he won't suit up today.

For the Falcons, Byron Leftwich gets the start at quarterback while injured receiver Joe Horn will be inactive.

Check the comments section below for more analysis and news throughout the afternoon. Kickoff is just a few moments away.

(Pictured - Maurice Stovall (85) and Michael Clayton (80). Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Game-time decision at QB for Falcons

The Falcons saw Byron Leftwich (ankle) practice without complications for a third consecutive day, and it is becoming more realistic to think he could start Sunday against the Bucs.

But Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino warned reporters there not to jump to conclusions and said the decision would be made just prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff at the Georgia Dome.

Leftwich underwent minor ankle surgery two weeks ago and missed the past two starts. Joey Harrington entered the lineup and led the Falcons to consecutive wins.

Last word on Garcia's arm

After this, I promise not to talk about Jeff Garcia's arm any more. I'm sure you've heard enough about his sore throwing arm already.

But before we move on, just wanted to give you some quick behind-the-scenes info that will serve as an example of why this job can be so difficult and the truth so elusive.

First, some background. We reported here and in the paper earlier this week that Garcia had a sore throwing arm, though it isn't a condition that was expected to sideline him. The story, written by Rick Stroud, merely said Garcia needed the rest of the bye week because of the fatigue, especially for a guy who hasn't played a whole season since he was with the 49ers years ago.

The basis for that story was this quote from Jon Gruden, who was asked if Garcia needed rest for a weary arm:

"I think so. Brad Johnson went through it. All the veteran quarterbacks go through it. We're one of the few teams right now that have had a guy go all the way at quarterback this season. We're going to do the best we can. If we have to be creative with the practice schedule, we'll be creative with the practice schedule as we have been in the last couple weeks. That's just something you have to respond to."

Quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett also offered comments that meshed with Gruden's. The next day, as you may know, Garcia vehemently denied there was anything wrong and discredited the story. He added that he was bothered by the suggestion. Surprisingly, Gruden joined in saying, among other things, that Garcia had a right to be upset because there was nothing wrong with him.

So, what 's a reporter to do? Well, generally, you leave well enough alone. You pick your battles in this business. But the problem is that you, the reader, may be left wondering about our credibility after episodes like this.

The fact is, Gruden could easily have denied the suggestion when it was first presented but did not. I say kudos to him for being upfront, which he is more often than we probably give him credit for. Gruden, like all coaches, has been known to tell a fib or two. But he only does so when it fits his agenda, which this quote certainly did not. So, there's little reason not to believe his original statement.

My gut tells me Garcia was upset about his coaches' acknowledgment of the soreness and probably made his displeasure known. That would explain Gruden's change of direction two days later. Hey, he was in a tough spot, I suppose. But that's just a theory based on my many similar experiences over the years.

Another case-in-point: I wrote a story last season after Chris Simms ruptured his spleen that said he turned down a multi-year contract offer the previous offseason in the $10-million range. He preferred to play through 2006 in hopes of landing an even bigger deal after his one-year contract expired. Chris corroborated the story in quotes that were included in the story, and still, GM Bruce Allen repeatedly denied it ever happened and was upset about the leak of the story. All you have left are the words you put on paper. Hey, it's a thankless job. Not complaining about it, because this is what we signed up for. I'm just saying.

It can be tough not only for us but for a reader to decipher what's what. We'll just keep trying to give you as much information as possible. You're all smart enough to make sense of it all for yourselves. Just remember that whatever you read here or in the paper has been well thought out and deliberated over. We don't take the job lightly.

Sorry to ramble. I'll now get off my soapbox.

Later.

Lehr's 'roids supplier tells all

Guard-center Matt Lehr hasn't played much this season and thus hasn't been in the news.

This isn't the way you want to make your first headline of the season, but Lehr has been linked to a Dallas-area personal trainer who claims to have supplied steroids to current and former Cowboys players.

Citing anonymous sources, the Dallas Morning News is reporting that Lehr's name was given to authorities by the trainer, David Jacobs, who identified Lehr as a player he supplied steroids to. The trainer is cooperating with authorities in exchange for leniency in his sentencing.

This is hardly a surprise. We know that Lehr has taken banned substances in the past because last season he was suspended by the league for a violation of the drug policy. Lehr was drafted by the Cowboys in 2001 and played for them until joining the Falcons in 2005.

He hasn't commented so far, but we'll see whether he'll be willing to address this after today's workout at One Buc Place.

The full story in the Morning News can be read here.

(Pictured: Matt Lehr, left, snaps the ball to Luke McCown during training camp. Times photo - Joseph Garnett, Jr. Click to enlarge.)

Spires out a couple more weeks

Defensive end Greg Spires finally talked about his calf injury today.

He tells me he tore the left calf muscle and has been told it will take him four to five weeks to return. Since Spires sustained the injury two weeks ago, he's looking at another two to three weeks on the shelf. He says his recovery is coming along well, and the swelling has subsided considerably.

To clarify, Spires initially thought he had injured -- or even ruptured -- his Achilles' tendon, and shared that with me after the game in which he was hurt (that's what we originally reported). But it was later discovered that the Achilles was intact and the damage limited to the calf.

This is the NFL's toughest division?

You've probably read in this space and in our newspaper a time or two that the NFC South is arguably the toughest division in football. Notice, however, you haven't seen us make this claim recently, even if there are some in the Bucs locker room who continue to make this assertion.

I'm not buying it any longer.

Look at the mess this division has become. What once was a division whose champion was likely to do damage in the playoffs now is the NFL's clearance rack. I mean, come on: the Bucs have basically stumbled their way to 5-4. The Panthers (4-5) are going around losing to the Falcons (3-6). And the Saints (4-5), well, is it me or are they Team Schizo?

Just look at history and contrast it to the present. Only once in the five seasons since realignment has the winner of the NFC South won fewer than 11 games (the Saints went 10-6 last season). This season, it'll be surprising if anyone sniffs 10 wins.

And in each of those aforementioned five seasons, a team from the NFC South reached the NFC Championship Game. Twice (the Bucs in '02 and the Panthers in '03) the division winner reached the Super Bowl. I'm willing to bet my lunch money that this ain't happening in '07.

There are many factors in the downfall of the division, particularly the loss of key players. Atlanta lost Michael Vick and Carolina lost Jake Delhomme, for example. And we don't need to go through the litany of Bucs injuries for the umpteenth time, do we? Still, we're talking about a division where the combined winning percentage is .444.

There are other pathetic divisions out there. The NFC West also has a lone team above .500, as does the AFC West. But teams from those divisions haven't had nearly as much recent success as teams from the NFC South, so it's not a surprise.

For the record, if you ask me, the toughest division for my money is the AFC South. You've got Indianapolis, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Houston. They all manage to beat each other while remaining pretty dominant outside the division.

If nothing else, there's at least one upside to all this. We know the teams in the NFC South will continue to beat up on each other while losing games they're not supposed to. And when all is said and done, there will be drama right up until the end of the season.

Could Leftwich face the Bucs?

My friend and former co-worker Steve Wyche at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution seems to think Byron Leftwich could supplant Joey Harrington this weekend at quarterback despite the Falcons' two-game winning streak.

Apparently Leftwich is just about back from the minor ankle surgery he underwent two weeks ago, and coach Bobby Petrino may have a decision to make. Leftwich had been the starter before he went down, sending Harrington to the bench shortly after Leftwich's arrival in Atlana.

Whatever their plans, you can be certain the Falcons are going to be coy about this all week so the Bucs don't get the chance to adjust their defensive gameplan. Just something to keep an eye on. You can see the AJC blog entry here.

Trueblood not taking fine lightly

Bucs right tackle Jeremy Trueblood didn't just take his $15,000 fine in stride.

Trueblood said today he intends to appeal the penalty handed down by the NFL last week for his inadvertent contact with an official during a late-game fracas in last week's Cardinals-Bucs game.

Trueblood was ejected after a run-in with defensive linemen Darnell Dockett and Calvin Pace of the Cardinals. While coming to the defense of teammate Davin Joseph, Trueblood unintentionally made contact with an official. The 2007 NFL fine schedule mandates a minimum fine of $15,000 for such offenses. It does not contain any exceptions that deal with intent. Instead, it is a blanket rule that covers "physical contact with an official."

It doesn't appear that Trueblood has much of a case based on the language. However, the league can use its discretion in these matters and reduce the fine, where appropriate. Funny thing is, Trueblood's $15,000 fine cost him more than the $10,000 minimum for a flagrant personal foul.

Maybe common sense will prevail and the fine will be reduced. Then again, Trueblood should have kept his composure and not let things escalate, even if the Cardinals appear to have instigated the whole thing. Gotta keep your head on those situations and not cost your team critical penalty yardage.

We'll see whether Trueblood is successful in getting "a few pennies back," as he said today. Heck, with the price of gas, I suppose even a guy making $360,000 this season can't afford to give money away.

Garcia needed to rest sore arm

Nobody benefitted from the bye week more than quarterback Jeff Garcia, who had been battling a sore right throwing arm.

Garcia, 37, has not started all 16 games in a season since he did it in 2002 with the San Francisco 49ers.

Coach Jon Gruden said Garcia's tired arm is similar to what former Bucs veteran quarterback Brad Johnson experienced in 2002.

"I think so. Brad Johnson went through it. All the veteran quarterbacks go through it,'' Gruden said. "We're one of the few teams right now that have had a guy go all the way at quarterback this season. We're going to do the best we can. If we have to be creative with the practice schedule, we'll be creative with the practice schedule as we have been in the last couple weeks. That's just something you have to respond to.''

Bucs quarterback coach Paul Hackett said it's common for quarterbacks to experience some arm fatigue near the middle of the season.

"Particularly with as much as he throws here, we probably throw more than most people do,'' Hackett said. "I think they all - about game nine or 10 - they're sore. This was the perfect time to have the whole week where you didn't have to raise your arm. Coupled with the fact that he's a very, very serious weight lifter. He always has been. I think that really helps them because he keeps his body in shape.

"A lot of quarterbacks at the end - when (Joe) Montana was at the end - he became more in tune to weight lifting, the high repetitions, low weights, knowing you've got another 10 to go. He knows how to do it because he's been doing it for so long, but he really hasn't played a full season since the 49ers. That's why we couldn't have planned this any better. Coach has been great about giving people time off, not having him throw quite as much. I think we're very conscious of that because we've got to be at our best in two months. That seems like a long way off.''

Garcia was unavailable for comment. But after finishing a weight lifting session Monday, he said, "I'm fine.''

(Times photo - Brendan Fitterer. Click to enlarge.) 

Bucs add Keiwan Ratliff

The Bucs have signed free agent cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, a former Florida Gator and second-round pick of the Bengals in 2004.

Ratliff was waived by the Bengals in September and has been out of work since. It's not likely the Bucs need him to do much at cornerback, where they have Ronde Barber, Phillip Buchanon and Brian Kelly -- who recently returned from a groin injury.

Instead, Ratliff appears to be a candidate to return punts, something he did frequently in Cincinnati. Ratliff was already on the field for this morning's special-teams workout.

To make room on the roster, the Bucs released Chas Gessner.

(Times photo (2003)  - Carrie Pratt. Click to enlarge.)

Trueblood fined $15k

Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for "impermissible contact with a game official" during Sunday's victory against the Cardinals, according to an NFL spokesman.

Trueblood was ejected from the game after a run-in with Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett. During the altercation, in which Trueblood pursued Dockett but was restrained by teammates, Trueblood inadvertently brushed an official. That's a no-no under NFL rules, so it was expected that he'd garner some kind of punishment. Dockett was not fined for his role.

The Bucs were upset after the game, accusing the Cardinals of instigation by swatting at the ball prior to the snap.

"When you look at the replay, they swatted the ball. They missed that call," coach Jon Gruden said Monday. "Then, they tried to swat the ball again. There were some after-the-whistle things going on there that the NFL should look into."

Lineup decisions coming at RB, WR

Here's something the Bucs will ponder over the next several days before they return to work on Monday: with running back Michael Pittman and receiver Michael Clayton returning from their respective ankle injuries next week, how will the Bucs work them back into the lineup given how well their replacements have played?

In the case of Pittman, the Bucs have to decide whether to keep Earnest Graham in the lineup or go with Pittman, who was in the starting lineup when he was injured at Indianapolis. Graham has since found his groove. He rushed fr 124 yards against Arizona last Sunday. Maybe the Bucs will just insert Pittman as a third-down back initially, but coach Jon Gruden tells us they definitely intend to find a role for Pittman immediately.

At receiver, Clayton returns after injuring his ankle at Detroit three weeks ago. Now, the question is who will be the No. 3 receiver: Clayton or Maurice Stovall, who seemed to be emerging in Clayton's absence. Remember, unlike at running back, where both Pittman and Graham can share the workload to some extent, the difference between the No. 3 and 4 receivers is huge. The Bucs only use a handful of three-receiver sets, and the next time I see them in a four-receiver set might be the first time.

So, whoever slides to No. 4 will be basically chained to the bench. Shame of it is that Clayton was starting to come on strong when he was injured, even though he has a long way to go to make up for his shortcomings of the past 2 1/2 years. Stovall has some great potential, but he's still a little raw.

Of course, none of this is a big deal in the big scheme of things. It's actually a good problem to have to choose between two capable players at one position. Hard to say how either will turn out, but it's one of the questions will be seeking to answer when practice resumes on Monday.

In the meantime, I'm gonna get some rest. Been at this since July 27, when training camp started. Think this might be my first weekend off. If you don't hear from me, it's not personal.

See ya soon.

Still quiet on the Williams front

The Bucs have had a chat with the representatives for free agent receiver Mike Williams, but that appears to be the extent of the story for now.

Williams, who was waived last week by the Raiders, is a former first-round draft pick of the Lions and a Tampa native. He worked out for the Titans earlier this week, according to his agent, Sean Kiernan, but the Bucs haven't discussed the possibility of a workout just yet.

That is normally the first step in determining whether a player is a candidate to join your team, so until the Bucs at least grant Williams a workout, the former Plant High star a long way from joining his hometown team.

"We have talked to them," Kiernan said, "but their interest level, that we don't know right now."

The Bucs don't have a lot of room at receiver with Michael Clayton returning after this weekend's bye and Maurice Stovall making a case for more playing time. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard have played well as starters.

Wounded Bucs on the mend

Receiver Michael Clayton and running back Michael Pittman made it clear this morning they will be back in action after this weekend's bye, even if their grand plans for the bye week will be cut short by required injury rehab.

Pittman said it was a close call before the Arizona game. He got a call from the team trainer on the way to Raymond James Stadium informing Pittman that Gruden and the team's training staff had decided to hold him out. Though disappointed, not playing was the best move, Pittman said.

"I’m kind of glad I didn’t play," Pittman said. "I was out there today running in my cleats with no ankle brace, no tape, nothing. I’m just feeling really comfortable and confident in my ankle. So, I’m kind of glad I didn’t play because I wasn’t 100 percent going into the Arizona game. Maybe 90 percent. But every day I get better. I have this week and another whole week going into Atlanta, so I’ll be definitely ready to go."

As for Clayton, who also suffered an ankle injury and has missed most of the past three games, he feels ready to go and will be completely cleared to practice without limitations on Monday.

"It came at a good time with the bye week," he said. "I actually had three weeks of rehab in so I'll come back 100 percent."

The one drawback for the pair: rehab means no vacation time. Pittman had big plans but those were quickly thwarted.

"Me and my wife were going to go to The Bahamas, but Coach (Gruden) said treatment is mandatory, so I’ll have to be here," Pittman said. "It’s all about the game. Gotta take it seriously."

(Above left: Michael Clayton. AP photo. Above right: Michael Pittman. Getty Images. Click to enlarge.)

One and done

The Bucs wrapped up a short practice this morning, then headed over the Raymond James Stadium for their annual team photo. After a mandatory meeting with NFL staff that will wrap up shortly, players will be turned loose until Monday morning.

Today's practice was the only one the Bucs will hold this week, as they have a bye on Sunday. They normally would practice at least twice during a bye week, but with so many players injured, coach Jon Gruden decided against a second workout.

Pats vs. Colts is highest-rated regular-season game in 20 years

CBS Sports national doubleheader coverage, highlighted by the historic meeting of the undefeated New England Patriots defeating the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, earned the highest-rated Sunday afternoon NFL regular-season game on any network since at least 1987, which is as far back as CBS records go.

The previous highest game was the Dallas-San Francisco game in November of 1996.

The Patriots-Colts ratings went up 52 percent from last year's doubleheader of Denver-Pittsburgh and Cleveland-San Diego
in Week 9.

-- Times Staff

Bucs audio report

With the Saints and Panthers hot on their heels, how many wins will it take for the Bucs to win the NFC South? Times staff writers Rick Stroud and Tom Jones reveal this and more in an audio report. Listen to the report, and share your comments below.

(Pictured: Running back Earnest Graham. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Gruden expects Trueblood to avoid fine

Bucs coach Jon Gruden doesn't expect Jeremy Trueblood to be disciplined in the wake of the right tackle's ejection late in Sunday's 17-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

"I don't anticipate any fine,'' Gruden said during his news conference Monday at One Buc Place. "I just thought that was an ugly sequence of plays, and we will let the league handle it.''

Trueblood bumped into an official after a Cardinals player got rough with right guard Davin Joseph in the final minute of the game. Trueblood tried to intervene, and a Cardinals player, believed to be linebacker Calvin Pace, swung at him. When Trueblood tried to retaliate, he ran into an official, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and his ejection.

While Gruden liked the way Trueblood stood up for a teammate, he said the second-year lineman needs to be more in control, particularly during a critical stage of the game.

"What occurred late in that game was ugly,'' Gruden said. "I'm not going to be tolerant of us getting a 15-yard ejection penalty when we have a chance to ice the game. But we do appreciate loyalty, and guys believing in one another. But there comes a time where you have to settle those things outside the lines. That's just not good enough yesterday. We have to show more poise than that.''

Trueblood, who suffered a right shoulder stinger, was one of three Bucs players banged up in the game. Fullback B.J. Askew sustained an ankle injury, and tight end Alex Smith reaggravated a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two games. Gruden said all three players are "going to be okay.''

Still, injuries have wreaked havoc with the Bucs' practice schedule. They forced the team to turn its Wednesday practice into a walk-through the past couple of weeks and will limit its time on the field heading into the bye week.

The Bucs will be off today and Tuesday and return to practice on Wednesday. If the players look sharp, in Gruden's estimation, he will give them Thursday through Sunday off to give them more time to recover from injuries and receive treatment.

"Our players are deserving of some time off,'' Gruden said. "They played hard, and I'm proud of them.''

(Times photo: Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Big gains for Adams

Just one thought to leave you with.

Nice showing by Gaines Adams. He didn't put up numbers, but he sure made his presence felt. Just ask Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who was decked twice by the rookie defensive end.

Adams was in the backfield a lot today in making his first start, and I suspect we'll start to see more of that if his coaches continue to let him play through his ups and downs.

He is not going to be perfect. You need to know that he is still suspect against the run, and no less an authority than defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was clear on that point when he and I spoke earlier. But Adams made a big jump today because the Cardinals were a team bent on throwing the ball, so Adams was able to concentrate on his pass rush. With his ears pinned back, he was a force.

Another good sign: time of possession. The Bucs set a team record for a regulation game with 43:07 of possession to Arizona's 16:53. That's about as lopsided a statistic as you'll ever see in this league of parity. Unfortunately for the Bucs, they still don't find enough ways to capitalize on their good fortune. If you have the ball that long, I think it's fair to say you need to score more than 17 points. But we'll see whether they find a way to finish drives after the bye week.

A not-so-good trend continued in this one: the defense giving up the late score. This defense simply can't seem to play wire to wire. I don't know what it is, but it sure is getting old. The Bucs jump out 17-3 and let the Cardinals march 80 yards in 11 plays to make it 17-10 and give themselves a chance with seven minutes left. When a team is on the ropes, good teams finish the deal. That's all I'm saying.

Another thing to keep an eye on (literally): the New Orleans Saints. Those guys are starting to wake up. They are now 4-4 after winning four straight. And their next three games are against the Rams, Texans and Panthers, teams with a combined record of 7-17. I'd pay close attention because this thing is going to get real interesting before it's over with. The Bucs better win games in bunches over the next several weeks, because something tells me that those thoughts many of you had of 9-7 winning this division by a mile might not actually come to pass. If nothing else, it should be fun to watch.

Anyone notice anything else of interest in the game? Ask your questions or comment and I'll try to check in tonight and/or Monday morning.

For now....Peace.

Cards-Bucs blog

All right, one last thing left before a laid-back bye week.

The Cardinals are in town for a pivotal game against the Bucs. The Bucs need this one to stay above .500 and keep pace in the NFC South race.

As for who will be on the field to help the Bucs, here's what we know. Gaines Adams moves into the starting lineup at left defensive end. So we should get a good sense of what the kid can do with more playing time today. As you probably know, Greg Spires is out with a calf injury. In other lineup news, Brian Kelly returns (finally) after being inactive most of the season because of a groin injury. Also in the starting lineup is tight end Alex Smith, who returns from an ankle injury that sidelined him two weeks.

The inactives are as follows: RB Michael Pittman (ankle), LB Jeremiah Trotter, DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder), LB Quincy Black (hamstring), G Dan Buenning, WR Michael Clayton (ankle) and Spires. I know I said earlier in the week that Chukwurah would play. Guess that's the last time I go to defensive line coach Larry Coyer for injury info. Sure he meant well. He's a great guy. Another note: the Cardinals are missing LB and leading tackler Karlos Dansby who has a knee injury.

Anyhow, I'll be back throughout the afternoon with comments and observations. Let me know if you see something interesting that I haven't referenced. And go ahead and come up with all those puzzling questions that have been racking your brain to see whether you can stump me (probably).

Kelly, Smith set to return

The Bucs have gotten some good news -- for a change -- on the injury front.

It appears cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) and tight end Alex Smith (ankle) will attempt to return to the lineup on Sunday against Arizona, according to coach Jon Gruden. Kelly has been inactive because of his injury for five of the past seven games. Smith has missed the past two games.

Kelly's return would be key considering the opponent. The Cardinals have been known to use many four- and even five-receiver formations, creating a need for at least three cornerbacks for much of the game.

Earlier this week, defensive line coach Larry Coyer said defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) would return after missing the past two games. That should help lessen the impact of losing Greg Spires, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Running back Michael Pittman (ankle) has a chance to return, but that seems like a long shot.

Elsewhere, receiver Michael Clayton (ankle) and linebacker Quincy Black (hamstring) appear unlikely to play.

Kickoff mystery solved

Okay, drumroll please....

Jon Gruden says Micheal Spurlock will return kicks on Sunday, filling the void created when Torrie Cox was lost for the season with a knee injury.

We'll have to be sure to spell his name right since he'll be on the field a lot. It's M-I-C-H-E-A-L. Yes, the "e" comes before the "a". Go figure. I apologized to him for getting it wrong earlier this week, for which I was jokingly chastised by the PR staff. My bad, Mike.

Gruden acknowledged Spurlock's inexperience -- he's returned only three kicks in his entire football career -- but the Bucs don't have a lot of choices and Spurlock's biggest asset is his versatility. He was a quarterback and running back at Mississippi and in high school.

He doesn't have experience "at this level," Gruden admitted, "but he has had experience doing this -- in his backyard, much like I have."

Hey, who knows? Maybe Spurlock will be the one to finally break the curse. As I'm sure everyone is aware, the Bucs have never returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

On a serious note, Spurlock did a decent job in his first foray into kick returning in the 2006 finale while playing for Arizona. He finished with three returns for 54 yards, including a long return of 21.

Guessing game at kick returner

We asked Jon Gruden earlier this week who might replace Torrie Cox (out for the season with a knee injury) as the primary kick returner.

Receiver Chad Lucas was released earlier this week after not faring well against Jacksonville after Cox's first-quarter injury. So, obviously, he's out. Cornerback Phillip Buchanon is an option, but Gruden sort of squashed that idea saying that few teams would be willing to risk a starting cornerback on kick returns. Same for Ike Hilliard, who is starting at receiver.

We could have kept playing the game, but it seemed Gruden wanted to keep us guessing. Because we'd hate to disappoint him, that's what we'll do.

When asked about speedy running back Michael Bennett, Gruden made the point that Bennett had never returned a kick in an NFL game. But I say, what better time to start? I asked Bennett about the possibility and he seems really intrigued. He was back fielding kickoffs in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and seems to be a legitimate option. He's certainly one of the most explosive players on the roster. Heck, outside of untouchable receiver Joey Galloway -- who is NOT an option -- the injury-depleted Bucs may not have a player as explosive as Bennett.

As for other options, well, I'm scouring the roster as I write this, and I don't see a whole lot of possibilities. Receiver Maurice Stovall is the up man on kickoffs right now, but I don't think he has the speed to be the primary returner. Heck, maybe Michael Spurlock -- who was added to the roster earlier today -- is a heck of a returner and we just don't know it yet.

Anyway, I suspect someone will be lining up to return kicks. How's that for going out on a limb? As for who, well Gruden succeeded because I'm still guessing.

Here's the bottom line: the Bucs had better do a better job on kickoffs, because their starting field position the past two weeks has been a major reason they're on this two-game skid (okay, that and Jeff Garcia's five turnovers, the defense's inability to stop teams late, etc., etc.).

Special teams issues get lost in the shuffle, but they've been a major problem for this team (see my story from Wednesday's paper). Can't wait to see what the latest solution is. 

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.