Some second thoughts about Dunn

Coach Jon Gruden said after this afternoon's practice that he remains concerned about RB Warrick Dunn's back and even wondered aloud whether Dunn should have played against the Cowboys on Sunday.

"We probably shouldn't have allowed him to play," Gruden said of Dunn, who has a pinched nerve in his upper back. "We choose not to use him much. But he is such a warrior. He has played this game for so long. But, I agree. He wasn't himself on Sunday in Dallas. That's a big part of our offense."

With Dunn touching the ball just three times, the decision to dress him and leave Michael Bennett inactive backfired. Gruden wasn't able to call running plays on which he prefers to use Dunn over Earnest Graham. Plus, Dunn is an accomplished receiver who adds another dimension to the offense.

It's too early to say, but it's possible the Bucs will consider sitting Dunn this week at Kansas City to allow the injury some time. As of Sunday, Dunn was in pretty bad shape and it's conceivable he hasn't improved much since.

Comments

[Tom]

Warrick needs to see a chiropractor and he'll be back on the field soon.

[BUCFAN4LIFE]

WHATS NEW FOR THE BUCS...BIG INJURYS EVERY YEAR!

Put Bennet in already and see what he can do.

Yeah, you were going to look into the Bennett issue. Did you find out anything Stephen?

[Sir Pritam the Great of England]

I think we should let Bennett run wild against his former team. No doubt he would be fired about that.

Plus, if Askew is still out, Graham can go back in at fullback. Maybe even throw in some Clifton Smith once or twice.

[Valrico Rick]

This is what great coaching will do for you! One veteran at receiver has a foot injury so Gruden gives him half the season off to get better. Meanwhile a veteran running back with a pinched nerve in his back needs to take up a roster spot that a healthy running back like Michael Bennett could have filled, just in case! Are you people beginning to see my point? It's 5 dash 2, deja vu! I would be just pleased as punch if I was the idiot and the Bucs made it to the Super Bowl, but alas the job of idiot has been taken! 'Nuff Said!

[Stephen Holder]

I did poke around on the topic of Bennett. I talked to him at length today and I'll share some of that in a story later this week, but basically it is what it is. Last week, he wasn't active for the very reasons I predicted Gruden would cite: numbers. They had Dunn and Graham active plus Clifton Smith. Of course, Dunn was in shambles. Go figure. But Bennett is rather frustrated as you can imagine. He doesn't plan to make a big stink of it, but he's not exactly thrilled.

[BUCFAN4LIFE]

IS DUNN, DONE? WE WILL SEE...BENNETT SHOULD GET A SHOT, LETS SEE IF HE'S ANY GOOD IF NOT LET HIM GO

[shane]

any news on #24?

[bayoubuc]

get him a massage and throw him back in there...

[valrico dick]

im sure valrico u wouldnt use ur best offensive weapon and bench him against a team like dallas. its easy to point fingers after its all over but its a little harder to call the shots. just cause bennet is good on madden doesnt mean he is a starter in real life. yea he had a good preseason but against who, 2nd and 3rd string defenses. u act like he had a successful career as a rb.

also the bucs should use stevens more. he is a hauss. he should be getting loads of passes thrown his way.

Thanks for the clarification Stephen. Be looking forward to that story.

[mike]

Has anyone besides me noticed that Valrico Rick is the real IDIOT?

[Valrico Sucks]

I agree with Mike.

[d]

Gruden has over the course of about a year, gone from a coach I supported and admired to a coach I absolutely despise. He thinks he the superstar, the playmaker, he's the franchise QB.
He's a JOKE.

[aaron]

Forget Bennett, well maybe bring him on as our returner, but we need to bring Caddy out of the garage! Lets give him a go. Jameel Cook at FB, Earnest at RB and bring in the Caddy to give Earnest a breather.

[Dark Side]

ahhh.. but where would this blog be without valrico and DR?

[DR]

The Dunn move was an obvious slap to the face of Bennett. An older vet with a pinched nerve last week expected to play? Are you serious? Don't worry Bennett, the money is still the same in the dog house.

[PEEPLES]

DUNN IS A WARRIOR. HE CAN RUN, CATCH, AND (MOST IMPORTANTLY)BLOCK. WE NEEDED HIS BLOCKING AND THREAT TO CATCH THE BALL OUT OF THE BACKFIELD MORE LAST WEEK AGAINST DALLAS AND THEIR DANGEROUS PASS RUSH THAN A SPEED BACK LIKE BENNETT. I MYSELF WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE SPEEDY BACK GET LOTS MORE PLAY TIME, HOWEVER, COACH GRUDEN DID WHAT HE THOUGHT WOULD GIVE HIM THE BEST CHANCE TO NEUTRALIZE THEIR RUSH. I CAN'T FAULT HIM FOR THAT.

[BRandon]

BUCFAN4LIFE:

Do you watch football? We've had a few minor injuries... injuries are a part of footbal... no team goes through a season injury free... you're an idiot if you actually expect nobody to get hurt playing in the NFL. Look at the Pats, Seahawks, Colts, chargers, Steelers, these are just a couple of teams that have been absolutely torn apart by injuries... and we lose Phillips for 4-6 (which sucks) and Dunn maybe for a week or two... we had Zuttah step in and play well on the Oline... Galloway has been out (what do you expect?).

You really need to start watching another sport if you don't expect players to get hurt in the NFL... perhaps golf (no, Tiger), baseball (another bad example).... how about chess, not too many injuries there.