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RB Pittman Could Be Back Soon

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs running back Michael Pittman shocked many by riding around in a blue scooter last week, but he had another surprise Thursday.

Pittman, who was slated to miss six to eight weeks after tearing ligaments in his right ankle against Indianapolis, said he is nearly 80 percent recovered and expects to be on the field soon.

'That is why I was trying to tell people that I would be back before six weeks,' Pittman said. 'It was a bad ankle injury, but I educated myself on doing the type of things to help you recovery-wise. What type of supplements I need to take, vitamins and different types of enzymes to take, plus the treatment I get and different types of exercises for my ankle.'

Pittman walked around the Bucs locker room without his protective boot Thursday, but he wore a high-top sneaker and an ankle brace. He said the pain is minimal.

Tampa Bay recently traded for Kansas City running back Michael Bennett after Pittman's injury, but once the ankle is 95 percent healed, Pittman intends to be back on the field. Pittman thinks that could be in two weeks.

'I feel better, and I know by this time next week, I'll feel even better,' Pittman said. 'I might even try to go run next week knowing me, but I'm sure they are going to hold me back. I really don't want to be stupid about it.

'I don't want to rehurt myself, or hurt my teammates by doing something that I should not be doing, but if it feels good enough, I'm going to start running next week. We'll see what happens.'

THE MORE THE MERRIER: It is very likely that once Bennett learns the playbook, he will split time with Earnest Graham, which does not bother Tampa Bay's starting running back.

Graham said he welcomes the team's newest addition, and he did not think the trade was a personal indictment of his abilities.

'You can't take it personal. We lost three running backs this year. What's to say we're not going to lose another one?' Graham said. 'You have to be able to bring somebody in here. With the NFL today, you need more than one guy. Bringing him in here will help me, and it's going to help him.'

The Bucs are optimistic that Bennett's presence can help a ground game that has produced 47 rushing yards in the past two games. Tampa Bay hopes Bennett's speed, coupled with Graham's power, can improve the Bucs' running attack.

'Running is all about mentality. Either you man up and do what you need to do in the running game to get some yards, or you won't,' Graham said. 'People will probably watch the Indianapolis film and the Tennessee film and try to see what they did, so we have to step up, prove ourselves, get better in some of things that other people are doing and get some yards, or we're going to have trouble the rest of the year.'

CENTURY CLUB AWAITS: Bucs DE Kevin Carter is one sack away from a career milestone.

Carter, who is in his 13th year, has 99 sacks and needs one more to join the century club.

Tampa Bay travels to play Detroit on Sunday. The Lions have given up 28 sacks, worst in the NFL, and are ranked last in sacks per play. Detroit's inept offensive line gives Carter a perfect opportunity to record his landmark.

'That is one of those benchmarks that represents what you've done and accomplished,' Carter said. 'If it happens I'll get back in the huddle for the next play, but on the inside, I will be jumping for joy. I'll probably have tears in my eyes, but it will be a nice moment. It's like the Super Bowl. You have a moment, but there is still another play, but when you look back on it, it means more and more.'

INJURIES: Bucs DE Gaines Adams (chest strain), TE Alex Smith (ankle), DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) and CB Brian Kelly (groin) missed practice, but DE Greg Spires (ankle) returned.

Anwar S. Richardson

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