Gruden expects Petitgout next week

Coach Jon Gruden downplayed Luke Petitigout's absence from Tuesday morning's walk-through and afternoon practice. Asked if the free-agent left tackle was sent to a specialist about his chronic back, Gruden replied: "I wouldn't say a speciialist. Luke is doing fine, I'm told." Gruden said he expects Petitgout to return to practice at the beginning of next week and to play in the team's second preseason game.

No Petitgout - again

We're out here with the Bucs for the afternoon practice, and there's no sign of left tackle Luke Petitgout who has a back injury.

We reserve the right to be wrong about this, but at this point we can only assume that the guy is seriously injured. And here's another point: he's not even around. Many injured players don't practice but they at least watch practice so as not to miss what was installed. It's time Gruden gave a firm answer on what's really going on here. We plan to press him on the matter at the end of practice.

Injury update

Left tackle Luke Petitgout (back) likely will not play in Friday's preseason opener againt the Patriots. Coach Jon Gruden said he hopes to have Petitgout ready by the second preseason game. Linebacker Barrett Rudd (knee) should return in the next day or two, Gruden said, and it's possible he will play against New England.

No Ruud, Petitgout today

Linebacker Barrett Ruud, nursing a knee bruise, is not at practice this morning.

Also, no sign yet of tackle Luke Petitgout.

The team is back in pads after coach Jon Gruden gave them the day off from contact Sunday.