Brooks in the mix

Linebacker Derrick Brooks participated in team drills Tuesday morning, an indication the hamstring he tweaked on Friday is mending. Also, veteran corners Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly were given the morning off, as well as running back Michael Pittman.

Photo by James Borchuck | Times: Derrick Brooks, right, with Cato June.

Brooks' mother dies

Geraldine Mitchell, mother of Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on Monday, May 21.

Here is a statement from Brooks:
"As many of you are aware, my Mother recently lost her long battle with breast cancer. My family and I are truly appreciative of the support and well wishes we have received from my Buccaneer family and the entire Tampa Bay community. As we move forward one day at a time, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Flowers or cards may be sent in care of the funeral home:
Joe Morris Funeral Home
701 N De Villiers St.
Pensacola, FL 32501

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Derrick Brooks Charities at:
Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc.
2915 West Fern St.
Tampa, FL 33614

Catch the ball

Monday morning brought a spirited practice for the Bucs in the only full-squad workout of the day. The afternoon workout will be exclusively special teams.

The deep ball was a recurring theme, with quarterbacks Chris Simms and rookie Bruce Gradkowski airing it out. Small problem though: The receivers need to manage to catch those balls. Drops continued to plague the Bucs as they did all weekend. Michael Clayton, right, Maurice Stovall and David Boston were among those who dropped passes Monday.

Also, linebackers Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles sat out practice just to give their aging legs a break. Neither is injured and both should return Tuesday. Rookie defensive end Charles Bennett sat out with a hamstring injury and could be sidelined for a while, according to coach Jon Gruden.

Orange you glad to be a Buc?

Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks isn’t ashamed. He wants the Bucs to wear throwback orange uniforms in a game, and the franchise’s first appearance on Thanksgiving Day at Dallas is the perfect opportunity.

Brooks, fullback Mike Alstott and tight end Dave Moore are the only players remaining who wore orange before the team changed its colors to red and pewter in 1997.

“I’ve been vetoed,” said Brooks, a first-round draft pick in 1995. “I like the orange. Our younger players, they want to wear it. They’re not embarrassed about our franchise history and the colors. They want to wear it and I want to wear it.”

Brooks, who wants the franchise to create a Ring of Honor to recognize former players, is proud of his first NFL uniform. He has it framed at his home, complete with Bucco Bruce helmet. But so far, his throwback pleas have been rejected.

“It’s a policy with the NFL, and I understand it starts with them about the uniforms,” Brooks said. “I guess it’s really not totally up to our owners, from what I understand. But if you want something done, you can get it done.”

-- Joanne Korth
AP photo; click to enlarge