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Bucs Notebook: Galloway Remains Limited In Practice

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Aqib Talib returns an interception at morning practice at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune
and IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2008

Galloway Remains Limited In Practice

Fans hoping to see Tampa Bay's white tiger, aka Joey Galloway, got their usual scant glance Monday. It's beginning to look like that's all they're going to get.

Though Coach Jon Gruden strongly suggested during the weekend Galloway would start working out with the team Monday, it appears as if his return to full-time duty is still a long way off.

"He just cannot let it go right now,'' Gruden said of Galloway, who arrived at camp 11 days ago nursing what was termed a mild groin strain. "And we're not going to make him go.

"What kind of fools would we be to let him pull that thing now? I mean, he's not trying to get out of anything. Some of the players may feel that way, but that's not true. And if they don't like it, they really don't understand.''

Galloway's training camp regimen has differed from other players' for several years now. He usually practices only once a day and sometimes is given the entire day off, even during the regular season.

Galloway's workouts this year have consisted mostly of sprints and some light pass-catching drills. Gruden said the objective is to have the 36-year-old speedster ready for the regular season.

"A lot of receivers around the NFL right now are idle,'' said Gruden, mentioning the Giants' Plaxico Burress, the Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and the Bengals tandem of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmanzadeh.

"I've got a lot of confidence in Joey, and he's earned [the benefit of the doubt]. When you get 10,000 yards and you can run a 4.30 40 on grass, maybe you can have your own room, too.''

With Galloway out, Maurice Stovall and Antonio Bryant have been splitting the reps at first-team split end. The Bucs have also worked Micheal Spurlock and rookie Dexter Jackson at that spot.

Preseason Pecking Order

Tampa Bay's initial depth chart of the preseason is short on surprises, but there are some interesting developments.

At quarterback, Luke McCown is listed ahead of veteran Brian Griese as Jeff Garcia's primary backup, followed by Chris Simms and rookie Josh Johnson. But McCown won't keep the No. 2 spot long if he continues to have performances like Monday's two fumbled snaps during 11-on-11 drills and two interceptions.

Gruden clearly is frustrated with McCown's inconsistency, but admits that is to be expected from a young quarterback.

"He'll have 10 or 12 outstanding plays a day — explosive plays,'' Gruden said. "Then you've got four or five times where ... But that's part of being young and going against one heck of a good defense every day. But in the tight red zone areas, Luke McCown has got to learn to use his explosive athletic ability and create something every once in a while when nobody is open.''

At receiver, veterans Galloway and Ike Hilliard are the starters, backed by Michael Clayton and Stovall.

At tight end, free agent John Gilmore, a superior blocker, is listed second behind Alex Smith. Another free agent, ex-Gator standout Ben Troupe, is listed third ahead of Jerramy Stevens, who will miss the first two regular-season games due to suspension.

At defensive end, veteran Kevin Carter held off 2007 club sack leader Greg White for the top spot on the left side, and Jimmy Wilkerson is the primary backup to Gaines Adams on the right side, followed by Marques Douglas.

At linebacker, Ryan Nece, who lost his starting strongside job to Cato June last year, has dropped to No. 3 behind June and second-year pro Quincy Black.

A-Train Tribute

The Bucs will honor retired RB Mike Alstott at halftime of the Oct. 19 home matchup against Seattle, a nationally televised night game.

All fans will receive a Mike Alstott commemorative ticket, and the Bucs are planning a halftime ceremony to salute the six-time Pro Bowler, who holds the franchise record for career touchdowns (71).

Break Time

Despite a sloppy morning practice, Gruden called off the afternoon session and organized a trip to the local movie theater to see "The Dark Knight,'' the Batman flick breaking box-office records around the country.

"These are the days in camp when everyone's tired and a little mentally drained,'' right tackle Jeremy Trueblood said. "We all have what it takes, we just need a little more focus. Coach threw us a bone today and we have to make sure we come out here tomorrow and clean things up.''

School Days

The Glazer Family Foundation awarded backpacks filled with school supplies and Bucs merchandise to 100 children from West Central Florida non-profit organizations. A total of 1,500 children representing 14 community groups will receive backpacks.

Corner View

The Bucs secondary generated high praise Monday from Everson Walls, the former Pro Bowl CB who led the NFL in interceptions three times during a 14-year career.

"I'm impressed with the whole group,'' said Walls, who attended Monday's morning practice and chatted with Bucs personnel executive Doug Williams, a fellow Grambling alumni. "Tanard Jackson's a hitter back there at safety, and I like the rookie, Aqib Talib. We went to the same high school [Berkner] in Richardson, Texas, and that kid has speed and great ball skills. I can't wait to see the Bucs try Talib on the offensive side of the ball.''

Walls finished with 57 career interceptions but scored only one TD as a pro, compared to 12 TDs for Bucs CB Ronde Barber.

"I'm so glad to hear Ronde has 33 picks, so he's got a ways to go to catch up to me,'' Walls said. "I'd take five of his touchdowns and I'd give him 10 of my interceptions and we'll call it even.''

Injury Update

WR Antonio Bryant (knee) returned to practice but QB Jeff Garcia remains sidelined with a calf strain suffered Thursday. Garcia and DT Jovan Haye (groin) are each making progress, Coach Jon Gruden said. Fullback B.J. Askew (ankle) remains out and DE Charles Bennett walked off early due to dehydration.

Quote Of The Day

"This is the time in camp when you separate the guys who can play from the guys who can't.'' — Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood

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