Brooks won't test hamstring until Sunday

Linebacker Derrick Brooks will not take a single repetition at practice this week because of a strained right hamstring.

But the only person who will decide whether Brooks is going to play against the Falcons Sunday is Brooks.

The 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker has that kind of clout after starting 193 straight games -- the most by any active defensive player in the NFL.

"I know I'm going to go out there Sunday and he's going to come to me or the trainers and say, 'He's in.' And then he's in," linebackers coach Gus Bradley said. "That's the way that decision will be made.

"Now if he's out, we've got to adjust and that's what we're preparing for now. Both scenarios. Okay, Derrick is playing. Derrick is not playing.

"Derrick is the ultimate professional. If he goes out there before the game and works out and knows he's going to put himself or the team in jeopardy, he's not going to play. We just trust him so much with the number of years he's been in the league, he's going to know how his body is.''

The Bucs have practiced all week with strongside linebacker Cato June moving over to Brooks' spot at weakside linebacker and Quincy Black starting at June's spot. Adam Hayward has been Brooks' backup the past two seasons. He was forced to come out of the game against the Saints because of cramps from dehydration.

Comments

[JC]

Dehydration against the Saints? INDOORS? Good grief, it's going to be 88 degrees at kickoff Sunday at Ray Jay.

[BILL H]

SO THEY GIVE UP ON HAYWARD BECAUSE OF CRAMPS...I HOPE BLACK IS AS GOOD AS THEY SAY HE IS!!!!

[Tom]

I love Derrick Brooks and hope for his quick recovery. A team can never have enough guys like DB in the locker room. However, I am very curious to see you Cato June play at the Will and Black play the Sam. With Ruud, this is an extraordinarily young and athletic LB corps.

[Tony G]

Bill, calm down, June was brought here to be Brooks eventual replacement, with a week of preparation it is natural that June switch over.

[mike j]

Huh, wonder if that's why McCoy was at sam on Bush's TD??

[Yoshi]

Yes, that is why McCoy was playing. It is also the reason bush ever even got to the secondary. Brooks would have taken him down

[fritz]

Go Jeff Garcia. We want Jeff Garcia

[Gtskyrider]

Go jeff garcia...PLEASE!!!! We're talking about Brooks, not Garcia fritz...get your stuff together man!!! Cato will be fine with Black and Rudd, don't forget about Geno Hayes who is dying to get on the field to show you how to get things done too!!!!

[steve]

Looooong season, bucs fans...can you say 5-11???........

[Mark]

I can say 5-11 very easily

but I can say 12-4 much better

[brooksfan]

Derrick Brooks is the consumate professional, with great accomplishments on and off the field. I'am one of many, hope that the streak stays alive,
and if he can't play everyone knows it's because he won't be up to his lofty expections and it won't be because of a sore pinkie!

[Justin M]

This blog will be singing a different tune on Sunday evening after he Bucs win, and its going to be a rout. Falcons will struggle to get 1st downs. Tampa's defense is going to put on a show.

[steve]

Justin M, While I admire your optimism and the fact you love the Bucs, no way will the falcons "struggle to get 1st downs...."...they will run the ball down our throats.....check back Mon...Let's see what "Gaines" does....

[Kurt]

Steve, this ain't the Detroit version of the Tampa2, this is the original one. And you might want to check how many offensive players we put out (3) for the Saints this week; not to mention the 2 which were put on IR on defense. We are going to destroy Atlanta; count on it...and count on me laughing at you on Sunday evening!

[BigBucFan]

Who all is out for the Saints? I saw a D lineman. I know Colston is out 6 wks. Who else is injured? We had 3 hurt too. Not good. Barber also took a shot on his Bush hit. Buchanon said he rolled his ankle but looked OK.

[Bucco]

I enjoyed watching Brooks played ever since he was drafted with Sapp back in 95. What a steal to get 2 HOF in one draft. I hope he recovers quickly but I can see that age is catching up to him when he misses plays he normally makes. Go Bucs!

[DR]

If the Bucs think that they'll have no problem handling the Falcons, then there is no point putting Brooks on the field with a hamstring problem. Let it heal.
Kurt, what on earth makes you think the Bucs are going to destroy Atlanta? Are the Bucs defense going to score 30 points or something because the Bucs offense certainly isn't.

[STIXX]

Hey the bucs should be able to handle ATLANTA with a rookie QB without BROOKS. Man everyones ready to ditch the season over one game! Cmon BUCFANS rally willya!

[lilargue]

Although greedy sounding, Brooks should start and keep the streak rolling. If there is any doubt once the Falcons roll out more than a 3 & out due to his effort, swith the defense around the next play. It's at best a win/win combo. Brooks keeps his streak and then we confuse their ROOKIE quarterback when June moves to weak side and Black comes to strong side. Also, all you band jumpers find another site!! I was born in Florida, but have lived in WI for the past 18 years with Packer Fans. I don't come here everyday to listen to BUCS fan's whine and complain. Look at the mojority of the NFC teams, and compare.
The Bucs will win the south!! Remember where the Super Bowl is this year. ALSO SOMEONE NEEDS TO CONTACT THE COMMISH AND TELL HIM THE SHIP IS STAYING!!! GO BUCS!!!!!!!!