Is Dexter Jackson done?

Rookie return man Dexter Jackson is in danger of losing his grip on that job based on comments from coach Jon Gruden this morning.

Gruden, after replacing Jackson with Michael Clayton on kickoffs Sunday night, emphasized the Bucs need more from their return game. When asked whether he was considering a change of returners, Gruden said, "We'll talk about that today."

This is one of those things that requires reading between the lines, but if I had to guess, it doesn't look good for Jackson.

If this proves to be the case, the nail in the coffin might have been Jackson's pair of gaffes on the second-half kickoff. He initially fumbled after allowing the ball to hit him in the face mask, recovered it, then fumbled again while attempting to elude tacklers. Fortunately for Jackson, Jimmy Wilkerson recovered the loose ball.

"The fumble to start the third quarter, that can't happen," Gruden said.

Comments

[chris]

i love the bucs so much i hop they go to the superball again for the 2 time

[chris]

I love the Bucs so much I hope they go to the superball again.

[Steve]

Tom,

You said the Bucs have used him as a decoy this year but you can't honestly say that has been much at all. Secondly he hasn't been on the field enough to judge his route running. Dick Vermiel had nothing but great things to say about him at the shrine game (As a WIDEOUT) and that includes his route running. I am no way saying he has done anything returning kicks but there is still potential at WR. Unfortunately the Bucs drafter potential at WR only to guess it would work at KR.

[Dann Benton]

"Run Michael run", anyone remember that call from Mr. Deckerhoff last year. they demote the only guy in Buc's history to run a kick all the way, and now complain about his replacement. Of course it's a step backwards.

[Brian]

I have said from day one that the Bucs were really reaching by taking a kid from a AA program who never returned kick there--what made them think he could do it in Herr Gooden's league? The biggest problem is that he is obviously afraid to take a hit and thus is always "slipping" on dry turf when no one else is. I said they should have drafted Brohm for our future QB instead of Jackson in round 2--what a bust.

[josh]

wow,dj does look bad, let clayton return,also defensive special teams were realy bad sunday.go bucs!

[Karl Williams]

I'm available.

[D-Jax]

There is not a one of you sloughs that could catch a punt much less return one. If I break one big run, you all would be kissing my @ss. This is between me and Gruden. Not you punks.

[Michael Spurlock]

Yea, but lest you forget, I coughed the ball up inside the 20 to start the third quarter against the Giants in the playoffs last year. I have never admitted this until now, but I suspect I contributed to us loosing that game. I mean don't get me wrong, I appreciate how all you fans have forgiven me, but as long as we are all being honest here.

[blair]

What a load. The guy is a rookie, playing a position that was not his specialty in college and after less than half a season he is a bust???

Give me a break. He may or may not make it but it is way too early to call for his head. Good thing you guys don't coach.

[Seriously?]

YESSSS Dexter Jackson returned punts and kickoffs for Appalachian State, but he was never that good at it. He was an ALLSTAR Wide Reciever. That is where his value is at. So of course he is going to struggle at punt/kickoff returns, get the kid out there doing what he has always done best... being a wide receiver! Do some research before you make claims people..

[go dex]

i watched dexter play on saturdays and try to watch him play on sundays when i can. He was never that good at kick returns in college, he had a few good games returning punts. Where he is good at is WR. Give him a chance at catching a ball and going up field with it. That is where he is going to show everyone that he is not a bust. All the coaches need to do is give the man a chance!!