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Bennett's Days Numbered?

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 11, 2008

Updated: 11/11/2008 12:23 am

TAMPA - The possible return of RB Cadillac Williams could signal RB Michael Bennett's departure.

Williams likely will be activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, and Tampa Bay already has Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and emerging rookie Clifton Smith making significant contributions.

"I don't really count myself in the equation. I really don't," Bennett said Monday. "For me, I have to keep working, do what I have to do, stay healthy and whenever my number is called, whether it be here or somewhere else, I just have to go play."

Bennett, 30, has not played much for Tampa Bay this season.

Although he is a former Pro Bowler and first-round draft pick, Bennett has rushed seven times for 12 yards this season and has one reception for 2 yards. Bennett has been inactive in four games (New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas), which is far from what he expected after re-signing with Tampa Bay during the offseason.

"I really learned a lot from the beginning, to preseason to now. I've learned a lot as far as the business and understanding it," Bennett said. "There are times when you don't want to say you're the forgotten man, but normally it's like, 'Hey, hey, how are you doing?' Now, all of that kind of fades away.

"There are times you walk past people and they members of the Bucs organization don't speak to you. Little things like that, those are the only things that really kind of bother me. Other than that, I understand the business and I see how it happens. I can see how guys can get frustrated and lose their minds and lose their temper, but I'm going to stay at peace with mine."

Bucs coach Jon Gruden did acknowledge a roster cut will be necessary for Williams to be activated but did not give any indication Bennett will be released this week.

Bennett's teammates have tried to be encouraging.

"Unfortunately, that is the nature of this business," Dunn said. "When you've got a guy like Cadillac who has been productive and got injured, you want to give him the opportunity to come back. And Michael Bennett has done everything a coach can ask for and does not get the opportunity. That's tough.

"Michael has to stay focused and stay positive. He has to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and something positive will happen for him. We all feel for him."

IT'S IN THE GAME

Tampa Bay TE Alex Smith is one of four Bucs who will play video games against military from around the world in honor of Veterans Day.

Phillip Buchanon, Cato June, Aqib Talib and Smith will play games against military personnel at four different USO stations on Tuesday. Local military personnel from MacDill Air Force Base, as well as families of the participants, will be at One Buc Place for the competition.

Smith is a two-time EA Sports Madden Bowl champion, which might give him a slight advantage over his competitors.

"Each time I play a game, it's to win, but I think we will have a good time," Smith said. "It's more than a video game. It's a great opportunity since they get to see their family via satellite video, for them to have fun and to show our appreciation for what they have done."

For information, visit www.prosvsgijoes.org

Tampa Bay re-signed safety Donte Nicholson to beef up its secondary since Jermaine Phillips suffered a broken arm against Dallas.

As a result, Tampa Bay released WR Brian Clark and re-signed him to its practice squad, while LB Kyle Shotwell was released from the practice squad.

Nicholson was a fifth-round draft choice by Tampa Bay in 2005.

He appeared in 11 games before being waived-injured prior to this season.

Anwar S. Richardson

A PRO BOWL RESUME?

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant could be in the midst of a Pro Bowl season, which is remarkable considering he did not play last season. Bryant has 45 receptions for 566 yards and two touchdowns, numbers that rank among the league's leaders in several categories:

•fifth in the NFC and 16th in the NFL in receptions;

•ninth in the NFC and 21st in the NFL in receiving yardage;

Since Week 3, Bryant has 42 receptions, which is tied for fifth in the NFL. Andre Johnson (Houston, 57), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati, 55), Wes Welker (New England, 53) and Roddy White (Atlanta, 47) are ahead of him. Washington TE Chris Cooley is tied with Bryant at 42.

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