Wednesday practice update

UPDATE, 3:40 p.m.: Here's the latest... To update what Stroud posted earlier, Gruden confirmed after practice that Joseph underwent surgery for a broken right foot, though he didn't speculate on how long the starting right guard would be sidelined. (View audio slide show)

Also, it's becoming clear the plan is to go with rookie guard Zuttah in the starting lineup. He'll start Saturday against the Jaguars, according to offensive line coach Bill Muir.

Also had a chance to chat with a few guys we haven't heard from much: Geno Hayes and Micheal Spurlock. Check out tomorrow's paper for a look at their statuses and chances of making the final roster.

1:43 p.m.: Receiver Joey Galloway was practicing in pads today. It's still unknown whether he will be at full speed.

Galloway, 36, still is nursing a groin strain and has been limited in practices at One Buc Place after missing all of training camp.

Another thing to watch is the right guard spot. Starter Davin Joseph is out 4-8 weeks with what the Bucs have confirmed is a broken right foot. Rookie Jeremy Zuttah was working with the first-team offensive line at right guard. Dan Buenning could also be a candidate to replace Joseph, but he is currently backing up center Jeff Faine.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden has had no problem playing rookies on the offensive line in the past. Buenning, Joseph, guard Arron Sears and tackle Jeremy Trueblood all started their first year in the NFL.

Comments

[aaron]

Beunning should be the man to step in at RG. He started all 16 games at LG as a rookie and did damn well. He is battle tested. Zuttah should remain the back up at RG. Should Faine go down have Dan slide over and Zuttah step up to RG.

[Kurt]

Thank you Gru/Allen and let's not forget Muir for accumulating and developing quality depth on the O-line. It will be a strength this year as long as we keep these injuries minimal.

[Matt]

Stephen, Any indications that Bruce Allen has picked up the phone to call the Cardinals?
I'm not sure he has the track record to get that level of a player in here. It would probably take more than a 3rd Rounder, Maurice Stovall & two tickets to Busch Gardens to land Boldin in a trade.

[Donovank]

Oh, Boldin would be it! I like our receiving core, but "liking" aside, we have to get a receiver like Boldin on our squad.
I am almost Galloway's age, and no amount of "experience" can replace some hardcore training, practicing, and scrimmages. If you aren't running routes, blocking CB's, or fighting for numbers during practice, then you aren't giving it your all. If I were Galloway I'd be mentoring some young talent to continue my legacy as one of the leagues best.

[Kurt]

I think a trade that would be good for both sides is Simms (a lefty backup/competition) and either Bennet or Clayton plus a mid-round draft pick for Boldin. He's awesome and would immediately give us 3 #1 options (Galloway/Boldin/Bryant - if he pans out.) It really would solidify the group and virtually give us no weakness on our team. Let's do it!!!

[Stephen_Holder]

I hate to be the wet blanket around here, but is everyone forgetting we've already had this conversation regarding another top-flight receiver: Chad Johnson. Remember him? Where is he today? Cincinnati, the same place he started. The Cardinals have the upper hand here. There is nothing Boldin can do to force their hand. And don't discount the fact that this player has the same agent as Ocho Cinco (Rosenhaus). This sort of stunt didn't work then, and I'm not convinced it's going to work now. Players demand trades because it's the only card they can play. And unlike Earnest Graham over the summer (another Rosenhaus client), Boldin can't skip practices. Now that the season is underway, they're not voluntary any longer. If he doesn't show, he doesn't get paid. Plain and simple. Feel free to try to convince me I'm wrong. I'm willing to debate the subject.

[Matt]

Stephen, I'd agree with you that if the Cardinals don't want him to go anywhere, he's not going anywhere. But Rosenhaus getting the word out should at least get other GM's out there making a call and at some price point all players are available. You could probably even get Tom Brady out of New England for 8 1st rounders.

[Lee]

Dude, will Tampa be in the talks for Boldin? That would be awesome!

[Adam]

Stephen, you're not wrong. Not in the slightest. I won't even say "but" to qualify the next statement.... The Bucs ARE in need of a playmaker and the Bucs have a history of making a lop-sided trade to get what they want (Gruden, Keyshawn). Wide receiver is probably the most difficult position to gauge as far as transition from college to the pros. Look around our state at the failed careers of BIG TIME college receivers. Peter Warrick, Reche Caldwell, Reidel Anthony, Yatil Green, to name just a few. I think a first, second, and a player (along with a contract) for a PROVEN commodity like Boldin is a nice price to pay for someone who has shown that they can transition to the pro game.

[Kurt]

We're not discounting the obvious Stephen, but the discussion is still relevant. Whether he comes or not isn't going to affect us greatly as our O-line will be paving the way to one of the leagues best running games which will open up the passing game for whomever is lining up. We've got players that the Cardinals might like to have and I'm not convinced that they want to invest so much into 2 WR's.

[George L Hicks]

I think Tampa will look at the waiver wire to pick up an ol to fill in for a few weeks to give the starters some rest. I think this is a no brainer. GO BUCS. Oh hats off to the Bucs with letting go of the former veteran lineman,

Bruce Allen won't trade for Boldin.

In the 6 years since he's been in Tampa the most I think Bruce has given up in a trade as far as picks goes is the 5th/6th Rounder for Bennett. He definately hasn't traded away a 1st day pick. The blockbuster of his tenure would be getting Galloway for Keyshawn.

This isn't the Redskins.

[Stephen_Holder]

Adam, I have to say I laughed out loud when I read the name "Yatil Green." Haven't seen that one in a LONG time. As an aside, I actually overlapped one year or so with him at UM (I'm a few years older). I had to Google him to recall he was the 15th overall pick in '97. Unbelievable. And your point is well taken. I also agree with Kurt that it's alot to expect them to invest heavily in a second WR after breaking the bank on Fitz. That's why I don't think Boldin will get a new deal if he sticks around.

[Billy]

Thanks for another detailed update on the Bucs. What, were you there 10 minutes?

[Jay]

I still don't see the point in getting Boldin - he doesn't fit into the current personnel scheme at all. Gruden absolutely refuses to give up on Galloway and Hilliard, so they're not going anywhere. Clayton may be in the doghouse, but his run support is second to none. Anotnio Bryant has been stellar in pre-season, and could vie for the starting lineup. Stovall has been solid on special teams, and would still be considered developing. The same can be said for non-SuperBowl MVP Dexter Jackson. So that means players like Parris Warren and Michael Spurlock are out, and there goes your depth.

In order to get Boldin, you're going to have to crack that lineup, and that means you'll have to trade or cut Clayton, Bryant, Stovall or Jackson - all of which were high round draft picks. In addition, Arizona is going to want draft pick compensation, which means you give up even more. Let's say a 3rd rounder. Now you've lost depth, lost a draft pick, and have an oft injured #1 who doesn't know the play book and costs about $4.5 million a year.

I'm not saying Boldin is bad, but he has to be more durable, more productive, and a better fit in the lineup than what you already have, as well as be willing to blow it up to get him. I don't think that's worth the risk.

[Tony M.]

I've got to agree with previous posts and say loudly to Bucs management: THIS IS THE BIG ONE!!! Anquan Boldin has Florida roots, is the real deal, and we have the ability to make this one happen if anyone in the NFL does.

Gentlemen, this is the one. Go for this one all out, please. He's the piece we are missing.

[troy parker]

boldin is NOT going anywhere unless the cards are given an offer that blows them away! it may take 2 1st round picks or a 1st 4th and a player. he has 3 years left on a contract that he just renogotiated. not only will someone have to make a sweet offer to the cards... they will also have to give boldin a new contract that was close to fitz's contract. no team will do that, so boldin will be in the desert this year!!!

[Reidel Anthony]

Hey y'all!!! I can still catch the foosball, get seperation, and run with world class speed. I was in a lot of bad situations where the QB just couldn't hit me in the numbers. Hit me in the numbers and it's money in the bank I'll catch it. Hitting me anywhere but the numbers is the QB's fault. There needs to be a stat for a QB hitting the receiver in the numbers.

Just tired of folks not knowing the real reason I'm no longer in the NFL.

[Stephen Blackehart]

There's that good old UF edumification for you.

You go, Reidel.

[DR]

Boldin will cost at least one first rounder and a anotherfirst dayer. He has 3 years left on his contract.
Kurt, keep dreaming. Every team knows Gruden has 5 QBs and he'll have to part with 2 of them so what is the point in trading for any of them at this point in time. If a player would be involved, it would probably have tobe Galloway. Galloway would be better off in Arizona where he can play his natural #2 spot at WR. Fitz would create more opportunities for Galloway. The Bucs would get the best out of it though. Boldin is one of the best overall WRs in the game who can do anthing you ask him to do.

[Yoshi]

I dont know how anyone can think that Boldin would not be a good fit here. He has every quality of a great receiver and more. He basically turns into a RB with the ball in his hands. How many receivers do you see that break as many tackles as him. He'll fit in here perfect. Other than a selected few, i would trade anything to get him. I mean its no wonder hes good, he came from PALM BEACH COUNTY. He should have gone to THE U!