Bucs starting WRs Bryant, Clayton not practicing

So much for gaining chemistry and timing between QB Josh Freeman and his receivers.

Starting wideouts Antonio Bryant (knee) and Michael Clayton (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Bryant missed Sunday's 38-28 win over the Green Bay Packers.

"A.B. is still fighting through the knee, so we'll just have to see,'' coach Raheem Morris said. "Hopefully, he can get better here soon and be able to give us some work.''

Defensive end Stylez G. White (shoulder) and quarterback Byron Leftwich (right elbow) also didn't practice. Guard Davin Joseph (ankle) had limited participation. Running back Clifton Smith (knee) had full participation.

White was injured late in Sunday's game against the Packers.

Comments

[jjbjeff]

GOOD. Stovall looked great on Sunday. Stovall, and Stroughter should be starting, with Clark and Figurs coming off the bench.

Put Clayton in on running downs only.

[Leo In Canada]

Neither of these players seem to be future Bucs at this juncture. Probably a good time to see who on the roster will be here long term.

[Jay]

I agree. Both Stroughter and Stovall earned their starting roles last week, and put in the work to prove it. My only complaint is that with Clayton out, that leaves the blocking to Jeremy Stevens, who absolutely, positively, SUCKS at it. We need another Kellen Winslow.

[clark kent]

Couldn't agree more with you Leo. It's looks like the organization is moving in a different direction with the way they've handled the AB situation anyway. What good is building timing with anybody if they can't perform it on gameday consistently? Hopefully Freeman will get to practice with recievers that will be playing on Sunday. This team is 1-7, Freeman needs to practice with the guys that most likely will play on Sunday. Otherwise what good is timing or even practicing for that matter? We'll get to preview other reciever's that the Bucs might get something out of in the future or another team will try to get something out of in the future.

[Dspkable]

jjbjeff: You can't put in Clayton on runs plays only, cause even the dumbest team will figure out the Bucs are running the ball when we do.

A quick, sure handed receiver will get down field in a hurry and spread out the secondary to open the RB some room to get some downhill momentum. Blocking WR's only help a teammate break open a big play, when we could be putting in a WR that can make the big play happen themselves. A Blocking-only WR is a waste of the position.

[Valrico Rick]

It's likely that Bryant and Clayton will both start this week. They have to find out if Bryant is going to come out of his knee recovery thing. Last year Bryant was making plays, and he can play when he is healthy. The Bucs don't want to just dump him without knowing for sure if he is going to make it back. This will be 3 weeks of rest for him and even if they hold him out this week they are still going to try to get another good look at him before the season ends. For 10 million they have to. The thing I noticed about Freeman is that he throws a sweet ball, a catchable ball, which might make a difference with all these dropped balls. Freeman getting his timing down with the receivers is important, but let us not forget we are still in rebuilding "evaluation" mode, and what we learn this year will make all the difference in the shape of the roster next year. If Bryant doesn't make it back, maybe they make a play for Bolden or somebody else. What we don't want to do is use a high draft pick on a receiver, we need too much new blood on defense.

[John P]

Valrico Rick, It would be nice to see Boldin in a Bucs uniform. As long as they don't pay #1 money for a #2 receiver, which he's best at being.

Anyway, I can understand all the injuries except for wondering how the 3rd string quarterback ended up injured. Clipboard tendonitis in the elbow?

[WesleyWildcat84]

The Leftwich injury is probably minor and either from practice or is lingering from when he played, just a guess...

As for the receivers, they're likely going to try and get their money's worth out of Clayton, and I'd look to get Bryant on either two year deal or a deal with team options.

Stovall needs to continue to show us something, but Sammie Stroughter is here to stay.

Not practicing today is much ado about nothing. If this comes up tomorrow, then get your rabbit ears up.

[willem]

am I the only one whe misses graham in the running game, yes I know he plays FB but last year he had some great game breaking long rushes, I mean I like caddy and ward but when was the last time they rushed over 70-80 yards let alone 100. Give graham his shot again and morris dont even consider peanut as RB let him focus on special team where he is an ace

[Daisy]

Last off season, the Bucs screwed up in signing Clayton, don't make the same mistake by signing Bryant in the next off season.

[OAR]

Daisy, at least Byrant can still catch! Clayton's track record for drops(mostly key passes) should have been a red flag, but hey he can block the snot out of a defender though, lol.