TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bye Not A Boost For Some Players

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 15, 2007

TAMPA - Even after a refreshing bye week, Coach Jon Gruden keeps finding himself questioned about injuries, real or imagined.

The news appears positive for RB Michael Pittman (ankle) and WR Michael Clayton (ankle), but DE Greg Spires (calf) remains out for Sunday's game at Atlanta and DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) might miss his fourth consecutive game.

Has the week off brought good news on the health front?

"No, not really," Gruden said after Wednesday's practice. "We still have 13 players on IR and we have 10 or 12 guys that were very limited today. It's still a challenge and it will be a challenge for the season. But we are optimistic that some guys will have a chance to play this Sunday that haven't played in the past."

One player not listed on the injury report is Jeff Garcia, the league's sixth-rated passer. Reports this week suggested the 37-year-old quarterback is suffering from a tired arm.

"I think I'm going to put myself on IR," Garcia said sarcastically to the gathered media. "Some of the things you guys say, I don't even know where that came from. I've been fine all year long. I feel fine.

"It bothers me that's even been brought up because that's not an issue."

Gruden said he understands why Garcia is frustrated.

"Wouldn't you be?" Gruden said. "Everybody's asking about your health and you're fine. I say leave Garcia alone. He's going to play his style. It's been a good one for him and it's been very effective for us."

Two Falcons starters - WR Joe Horn and OT Todd Weiner - did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Three weeks after surgery to heal a high ankle sprain, QB Byron Leftwich participated on a limited basis.

LITTLE BIG MAN: In his 11th pro season, Atlanta RB Warrick Dunn has an opportunity to reach a significant milestone against his former teammates Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

Dunn, 32, needs only 58 rushing yards to reach the 10,000-yard mark for a glittering career that started in Tampa when he was selected out of Florida State in the first round.

"You think you have him tackled and you don't," Bucs DT Chris Hovan said. "He's a small back, but he deceives you because you go to wrap him up and he breaks loose for 50 yards. He's got a big heart, a big motor and he's fearless. If I was putting a team together, Warrick Dunn would be one of my guys."

Dunn was quiet throughout Atlanta's 1-6 start, but he has rushed for 100 and 89 yards the past two weeks.

"We're proud of Warrick Dunn around here," Gruden said. "He's one of the great guys in football. I know this - he's still one heck of a back. Hopefully, he tones it down a little on Sunday."

DANGEROUS FOE: Despite Atlanta's 3-6 record, the Bucs are approaching Sunday's matchup warily, knowing the Falcons enter with some momentum.

While the Falcons average only 15 points per game, their defense is healthy, applying pressure and forcing mistakes.

"They have guys who need to be accounted for," said WR Ike Hilliard, who tops Tampa Bay with 46 receptions. "They've got John Abraham, Lawyer Milloy and DeAngelo Hall, who's going to run his mouth and play good football."

Hall, who started for the NFC in the Pro Bowl opposite Tampa Bay CB Ronde Barber, is known for his skills and penchant for nonstop chatter.

"Some guys have that personality," Hilliard said. "He's not a bad guy and he's a great player. We just have to play our game and not get caught up in all that stuff."

BUCS BITS: Atlanta is tied with New England for fewest giveaways (nine) in the NFL. ...With 15 third-down receptions, Hilliard trails only Terrell Owens of Dallas and Torry Holt of the Rams in the NFC. ...The Falcons have been awful in the red zone, scoring seven TDs in 23 opportunities.

Ira Kaufman

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT