Gruden: Hilliard 'checked out okay'

Bucs wide receiver Ike Hilliard was released from the hospital Sunday night, and "all indications are good,'' coach Jon Gruden said during his news conference Monday at One Buc Place.

Hilliard left the field on a cart with a head injury after he suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit from Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill following a catch in the first half of the Bucs' 20-10 win over the Seahawks.

"I think the good news is he's going to be okay,'' Gruden said. "We'll let you know on his status in the coming days.''

Gruden called Hilliard questionable for Sunday's game at Dallas. With Maurice Stovall already out, the Bucs will have to lean heavily on Antonio Bryant, who had 115 receiving yards against Seattle, Michael Clayton and Brian Clark.

Joey Galloway, whom Gruden nicknamed the ''White Tiger'' because he is so seldom seen on the field, is a possibility to return after missing five games with a foot sprain.

"I'll be looking in the cage to see if he's out,'' Gruden said.

Other highlights:

+ Gruden expressed concern over running back Warrick Dunn, who left the game with a pinched nerve in his upper back.

+ Gruden opened his news conference with a nod to the World Series-bound Rays.

"No. 1, congratulations to the Devil Rays,'' Gruden said. "We're all really excited for them. ... If we could beat Philadelphia, that would be great.''

Gruden said he '"learned a number of adjectives'' from Philadelphia fans when the Bucs beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game en route to their victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

"We want this series bad,'' he said.

(Pictured: Ike Hilliard. Times photo -- Brendan Fitterer.)

Comments

[Erick]

They should change his name from White Tiger to Sasquatch or something like that, cause it doesn't actually exist. Let's hope Jackson can step up so we don't have to rely on this guy anymore. And Gruden, they are the "Rays", not what you said.

[Drew]

DJ is a wash...

[Jay]

"Now that we know who you are... I know who I am. I'm not a mistake! It all makes sense. In a comic, you know how you can tell who the arch-villain's going to be? He's the exact opposite of the hero, and most time's they're friends, like you and me. I should've known way back when. You know why, David? Because of the kids. They called me Mr. Glass"

And I love Gruden calling them the Devil Rays. I still do that too, just to upset the fundies.

[Opinion Master]

Gruden didn't say it, but Lofu tutupu or however you spell his name, should be looking at a fine, and I am shocked there was no penalty on his hit.

Mind you, NOT that I would fine him or penalize him, I thought it was football, but the way the NFL is handing out fines for clean hits and penalties for 'over celebrating', hits on qb's etc., I am sure seattle will see one.

As for the Rays, I hope we smoke philly in 4 straight, still haven't forgotten the Joey J. comments made back then

[Valrico Rick]

Actually it wasn't Tatupu it was Hill, Tatupu was behind Hilliard and Hilliard's helmet hit Tatupu after Hill hit Hilliard's helmet with his helmet, knocking them both out of the game. That deserves a suspension, clear and simple. You can make a highlight hit with your shoulder, leading with the helmet will get somebody killed, and shouldn't be part of the game!!! 'Nuff Said!!!

[Opinion Master]

V. rick, have you see the plays Hines Ward has been making, inculding a sweet devasting and CLEAN block in yesterday's game, and they are already talking about how he may be fined and/or penalized yet again for it?

being his third time, he may even face a suspension.
Some of the calls are nonsense that they are fining guys for.

[Adam]

I say we call Joey Galloway "Tiffany" because he's made out of crystal and we put him up on the high shelf.

[aj]

Getting hurt is part of the game. Yeah, leading with the head can hurt someone. So can leading with the shoulder. A guy can separate his shoulder doing that. I'd rather hurt the other guy than myself.

The game is so fast. If it's a blatantly dirty shot the guy should be fined. I don't think that was a dirty shot, though. It's hard to measure a guy up when he's coming down. A lot harder than it is for the league to second guess them.

Go Ike! Hope you're back on the field soon.

[Jimmy]

Could someone explain to that moron Gruden that they're NOT THE "DEVIL RAYS" anymore, like he mentioned in his post game interview. This Buc team will never go anywhere with this idiot at the helm.

[aj]

Why would the Bucs go nowhere because their coach doesn't know about baseball? All we hear is how NFL coaches work 80 hours a week, how much time does that leave for baseball? Ridiculous!

[shane]

leroy hill should be fined for the hit he put on ike. 'nuff said

[STIXX]

It was a helmet shot obviously.Fine`em!

[Bruiser]

Fine for the hit reguardless. It will always be the Devil Rays to me as well you hoity toity people are fake if you think that the name of a team is evil because of how it is spelled

[Yoshi]

I gotta say i kinda like the "devil rays" better than just the "Rays"

[Dale]

I was shocked there wasn't a flag on the play, hope your feeling better Ike....I really like watching you play....You the Man!!!Get well soon....we really need your quality of play on the field and the inspiration and leadership that comes with it....I'm also a Jeff Garcia Fan and I'm sure he feels the same way....on the other note....I have absolutely no problem with the name "Devil Rays"...but guys...that was a last place team....the worst in the league....the "Rays!" on the other hand are a first place team....the best in the league...and I don't know what the players and coaches think...but I would guess they wouldn't want to go back to being the Devil Rays for anything in the World...Serrr..i.eee.s!!!!!!Hoorah!!Yeh Baby!!!!Were in the World Series!!!...Go Rays!!! bring it on HOME boys!!!