Some MIAs at OTAs

There are inevitably going to be a handful of players missing at the first OTA session, and today was no different.

There was no sign of Ike Hilliard, Earnest Graham, Chris Simms and Brian Griese. It's not known what's going on with the first two, Hilliard and Graham, but, remember, this is all voluntary.

Simms and Griese weren't expected, Griese because of a prior commitment and Simms because of his conscious decision to sit out the offseason until he gets more clarification on his future with the team.

As far as injured players, Cato June is still rehabbing his broken foot and told me underwent surgery shortly after the season's conclusion. He'll likely sit out much of the offseason as a precaution but will be fine in the long run. Cadillac Williams was also out running around doing some rehab. He's still got a long road ahead of him. Didn't see Luke Petitgout, either, nor does anyone expect that he'll do much in OTAs coming off the torn ACL.

Maurice Stovall was full go today despite suffering that broken arm in Week 16. He didn't seem affected by the injury. Ditto for safety Sabby Piscitelli, who missed all of last season with a foot injury. He is 100 percent and looked good today.

Newly-acquired linebacker Matt McCoy appeared to suffer a hand injury early in the workout session. There were no immediate details on the nature of the injury or his status for the two remaining practices this week.

Comments

[Brett]

I am surprised Earnest Graham sat out. You would think he would be doing everything he can to keep his starting job.

[doug e love]

Simms should be embarrassed.
He takes the Glazer's money, to the tune of 7.2 mil ... but won't compete for the job?

Chris, you don't owe Gruden anything ... but don't you owe the Glazer's some respect for keeping you well paid while you recovered from injury?

A little humility might suit you better.

[aaron]

Doug e love, your comment on Simms is foolish. Simms has nothing to be embarrased about. he took the money because that is what the contract said to do. He didnt ask to be put on IR, but it happened. these workouts are VOLUNTARY, doug. if he is still with the club when camp rolls around he will be there. it has been a tough situation for both sides. Neither side has anything to be ashamed about. He re-signed to be the starter here in tampa but got hurt in a freak situation, then didnt recover in time to properly compete for the job. the Bucs covered their butt and signed a veteran qb. the bucs arent pissed at him for getting hurt and he cant be pissed at them for covering themselves. it is tough for both sides. but like i said this is voluntary. save you bashing for when or if he doesnt show up to training camp.

[DR]

Graham should be their starter next year. He did a heck of a job last year. You might want to give him a raise to keep him happy.
These are the problems a team will face because the players know that the Bucs are $20M+ under the cap. They want their part. EG was a huge reason the Bucs did pretty good last year. Pay him. Quit being cheap.

[Nate Dogg]

DR, I agree with you that Graham should be given a raise...maybe something along the lines of 3year-$11 mill?

However, remember a buttload of that salary cap NEEDS to be given out to Ruud (and Haye). We gotta lock him up so he retires a Buc and gets the compensation he deserves as a leading tackler in the NFL.

[Nate Dogg]

I really feel for Stovall. All I remember reading about him last summer was how he was always "first on, last to leave" for all the practices. He would always be there catching extra balls; doing whatever he can to improve himself...yet in my opinion, it seemed like he didn't really make an impact on offense this last year.

He's got the mentality and attitude. We've seen glimpses of him breaking out and making plays as a solid possession receiver (moreso in his rookie year).

So what gives??

When are gonna see this young man blossom and really step up to take that 3rd/2nd reciever role in the offense? Is it the lack of playing time and trust from Gruden?

No matter the case, I'm glad to hear he's bringing the same work ethic to this year's OTA's, recovering from a broken bone in his arm, or not.

Hopefully this is the year we see him emerge!

[jeffrey friedson]

Ike is a DAMM good player...tired of reading he's washed up, too old etc....he's an excellent player...Bucs lucky to have him