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Galloway Says He's Ready To Go

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By IRA KAUFMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

TAMPA - Joey Galloway is ticketed for takeoff, just in time to test the friendly skies of New Orleans.

The veteran wide receiver, who missed training camp and all four preseason games with a groin injury, declared himself ready to go for Sunday's opener against the Saints.

Dubbed the "white tiger" by Coach Jon Gruden, Galloway also stressed that he doesn't get to make the ultimate call.

"When Coach made the white tiger comment, I think you media misunderstood what he was saying," Galloway said Wednesday. "When you go and see the white tiger, there's always posted times when he gets to eat. The zookeeper posts that time, and Coach is the zookeeper. It's his decision on when I get to eat. I hope I get to eat on Sunday, but we will wait and see. I'm lobbying to be out there on Sunday, but that's his call."

A few hours later, Gruden said he expects Galloway to start against a division rival he burned for 11 catches, 294 yards and two TDs last season as Tampa Bay swept the Saints. Galloway has scored nine TDs in his past seven games against the Saints

"Joey's a talented player who does a great job of locating the ball down the field," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. "We've got to do a better job against him."

Galloway, 36, comes off three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and Gruden's usual policy is to minimize Galloway's practice time to keep him fresh for games. But Galloway's groin problem lingered throughout camp, limiting his opportunity to re-establish his timing with QB Jeff Garcia.

"The funny part is, these guys in the locker room are more understanding than Coach is," Galloway said. "These guys sort of smirk and laugh and say as long as you're ready on Sunday, then everything's OK. Now, the zookeeper is a little different. Those days I didn't practice, he would give it to me later at night. These guys in here, I think, trust me."

WR Antonio Bryant, who enjoyed an impressive preseason while attempting to resurrect his troubled career, has struggled with some swelling in his knee, but he is expected to play extensively at the Superdome.

WELCOME BACK: A familiar face returned to the Tampa Bay locker room in OL Sean Mahan, who started 36 games in his first stint with the Bucs. Mahan was obtained from Pittsburgh, where he started every regular-season game at center for a division champion last fall.

In another deal Tuesday, the Bucs sent G/C Dan Buenning to Chicago for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick.

"I wish Dan well, he's a friend of mine, but that's the nature of this business," Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood said. "Sean Mahan is probably one of the most technically sound guys I've ever played with. ... When I was a rookie in 2006, I couldn't help but notice Sean had it all down from a technical standpoint."

Gruden said he was pleased to have Mahan's experience to back up starting C Jeff Faine.

INJURY UPDATE: The only Buc who didn't participate in Wednesday's practice was RG Davin Joseph, recuperating from a broken foot. Garcia (calf) and TE Ben Troupe (foot) participated fully.

EXTRA POINTS: The Bucs have expressed interest in veteran T Willie Anderson, released by the Bengals on Saturday. ... Gruden said Garcia and Faine were selected offensive team captains, with LB Derrick Brooks, CB Ronde Barber and DT Chris Hovan representing the defense and S Will Allen chosen for special teams ...Wondering why the Saints were No. 1 in the league last season in red zone TD rate at 72 percent? Inside the 20, QB Drew Brees threw 23 TDs, with no interceptions and no sacks.

Ira Kaufman

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