Bucs will let Bryant decide whether to play

UPDATE, 4:52 p.m.: Coach Jon Gruden said after today's practice the team is weighing its options at kicker, but there is at least some indication Bryant will kick on Sunday.

Asked about the possibility of of signing another kicker, Gruden said, among other things, "If we have to deal with signing another kicker, we will. Right now, that's not part of our plan."

Gruden added that safety Sabby Piscitelli is the team's backup kicker at the moment, though it's hard to fathom the Bucs even considering using him in an actual game. We're told Piscitelli has actually kicked in practice this week.

Stephen F. Holder

1:48 p.m.: The Bucs will allow kicker Matt Bryant to decide whether he wants to play in Sunday's game against the Packers.

Bryant and his wife, Melissa, are mourning the death of their 3-month old son, Tryson, who passed away early Wednesday.

The Bucs have not brought in another place-kicker, but the team has a plan for either scenario as soon as Bryant makes a decision.

Punter Josh Bidwell, who holds on place-kicks, said he would not be surprised if Bryant kicked Sunday.

"It's hard to say. He's got the free reign obviously by the team to do what he needs to do to heal,'' Bidwell said. "I'll be honest with you, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try to get out there but I wouldn't fault him in any way if he just couldn't be out there. Something like this would take time for a lot of people. I'm proud of him either way.

"He's doing a great job, responding well and embracing the love and support we're giving him and we'll certainly do that in this decision that he'll eventually make.''

Comments

[Steve L]

Clearly the right decision by Allen, Gruden, et.al. I'm sure some haters will try to come up with something negative to say though - spin it in some unconstructive manner. For a subject like this though, they should let it rest for once.

[Valrico Rick]

Steve L, there is no reason to say anything about anybody, anybody at all, haters, et.al., other than letting your heart go out to the Bryants. 'Nuff Said!

[adam]

he shouldn't play he needs to be with his family....period.

[Matt]

I think he'll play and I think he'll do it for Tryson and for his family. I'm sure that's what they'll want him to do and, however difficult it is, I think he'll tough it out for him! Either decision is the right one though; I'd be a basket case!

[GrudenHater]

He should have as much time as he wants. I see players coming back after parents, grandparents, and even siblings passing away.

We are way beyond that in his situation. I'm sure family needs him more than 52 grown man.

He will be back some day because he will want to be back. Eventually, working will take his mind off the pain.

[Dave Turner]

nobody should say he needs to be with his family, it is their decision. We as fans have no right to say that, we should send our thoughts and prayers out to them. They will do what they have to, to deal. I would not want to even consider to know what they are going through or to tell them how to handle it. They will handle on there terms with the help of God. Whatever Matt and his family decide, we as fans should back them 100 percent. Our prayers to God go from my family to the Bryants.

[Jesse]

Piscitelli!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[Stephen Holder]

Jesse, that's what the man said. Shocked me to. Trust me.

[joe]

It's up to Matt and his wife, simple as that. Whatever their decision is we should support it. No and's if's or but's.

[CyberDilemma]

Piscitelli also sells popcorn at halftime. One complete player that guy is.

[Carmine]

Gruden and Allen are handling this right, and I wouldn't mind seeing Sabby try a kick or two. maybe a fake.

Whatever Matt Bryant decides to do, play to take his mind off this terrible tragedy or stay at home with his wife and 5 other children to help them thru this and have them help him thru it, is totally up to him and I 'll respect either decision.

[jay feeley]

the sabby thing really was a shocker to me and probably 95% of the people who read this. But for Matt i truly feel sorry for him because he will always a something to remember his 3-month old son by. Kicks for three points, his number is 3. kinda sucks doesn't it?

[The Bull Gator]

I'm sure Bryant will make whatever decision he feels is best.

I seem to remember Pat Tillman having to kick off once during a Cardinals game because their kicker had gotten hurt in the game.

[Brandon]

Wes Welker played kicker for the Dolphins a few years back, did a decent job too. I would be worried about a non-kicker coming in to do the job from the aspect of them performing an athletic movement they are not completely familiar with.

That being said, Bryant will play and should if he wants to. He needs an escape and playing football for a few hours this Sunday can give that to him.

[BRandon]

Jay Feely,

That is a coincidence that likely only you came up with. His son might have been 3 months old, but it hardly defined his son, the kid wasn't a number, I don't think the number thing will ever dawn on Bryant nor should it.

[STIXX]

I would never say I could know what MATT is going through. To lose a child would put me out of commision for years. My children mean more to me than life itself. I couldn`t imagine that pain. Our prayer are with you MATT.

[scooterbucs]

Remember when Lynch was rushed in to handle kickoffs one time? It was fun to watch because the kicks were so ugly, but the team rallied around him.

Whatever they decide to do this weekend, my deepest sympathies to the Bryant family and GO BUCS!!!!