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Chukwurah, Smith Could Be Available For Sunday's Game

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2007

Updated: 10/16/2007 12:13 am

TAMPA - It has been a while since Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden has delivered good news during his Monday morning news conference.

Two weeks ago, Gruden announced that RB Cadillac Williams and LT Luke Petitgout would miss the rest of the season with knee injuries; last week, Gruden said RB Michael Pittman could be out at least six weeks with an ankle injury.

When TE Alex Smith (ankle) and DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) left Sunday's game with injuries, it was hard not to expect the worst.

Gruden said tests were run on both players and neither sustained major damage. The Bucs are classifying Smith's injury as an ankle sprain, and Gruden said there is a possibility he could play Sunday at Detroit. Both players are listed as questionable.

'We don't believe it's as serious as Michael Pittman's injury,' Gruden said. 'Smith has a chance to play this week. All we can do is update you in the coming days.'

Besides Williams and Petitgout, the Bucs have lost FB Mike Alstott (neck), S Sabby Piscitelli (foot) and QB Chris Simms (spleen) to season-ending injuries this season. Pittman is still recovering and CB Brian Kelly missed his second start Sunday because of a groin injury.

If Smith is unable to play, Jerramy Stevens likely would start in his place, and Anthony Becht should receive more playing time. Stevens, who started Sunday along with Smith when the Bucs opened in a two tight-end set, has 130 receptions for 1,458 yards and 15 touchdowns in six seasons.

BETTER LINE COMING: Tampa Bay's defensive line is still garnering Gruden's attention for its lack of quarterback pressure.

The Bucs defense is ranked No.11 in the NFL, but Tampa Bay is 23rd in sacks, most of which can be attributed to Tampa Bay's front four not getting to the QB.

'When you're in a passing situation, you got to get a pass rush going,' Gruden said. 'We had some good looks Sunday, and we have some situations where it needs improvement, and that will be an area we focus on this week.'

The onus will be on Tampa Bay's defense to apply pressure on Detroit QB Jon Kitna, who threw for 446 yards and two touchdowns against Philadelphia on Sept. 23.

'We got to make him uncomfortable. If we don't, it will be a long day for our secondary,' said DT Jovan Haye, who has a team-high three sacks. 'We have a good challenge ahead of us this week.'

BULLS FEVER: Gruden spent most of Saturday afternoon watching one of his favorite college football teams - USF. He said he watched the majority of the Bulls' 64-12 victory against Central Florida.

'Number two in the nation. That is unbelievable,' Gruden said. 'I say it every week. It's unbelievable, Coach Jim Leavitt and their organization, athletic department, coaching staff and support staff.

'I had the USF band right in front of me playing the National Anthem on Sunday, and the trombone players, even they're great. They got it going on. I'm really fired up. I just can't wait until the next game.'

Gruden also has become a big fan of Bulls QB Matt Grothe.

'I love the quarterback and love the way he's making plays,' Gruden said. 'They play inspired the defense. I think Grothe's really a super competitor and a real talent.'

Anwar S. Richardson

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