TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hamstring Injury Can't Keep LB Brooks Off Of The Field

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 15, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay LB Derrick Brooks usually has nothing to prove, but found himself in an unfamiliar situation before Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Brooks had to show coaches and trainers he could play after suffering a hamstring injury during Tampa Bay's season opener. He did not practice last week as a precaution and Brooks' status was viewed as a game-time decision.

Prior to Sunday, Brooks started in 193 consecutive games (most of any active NFL defensive player), but that streak appeared to be in jeopardy.

Brooks passed his pregame audition and was allowed to start as Tampa Bay (1-1) claimed a 24-9 NFC South victory against Atlanta (1-1).

"If you looked at my leg on Monday, you guys media would really understand that it was a miracle that I was out there playing today," Brooks said. "Nothing short of that in my opinion."

Brooks' teammates had nothing but positive opinions about seeing him on the field, although he did not play the entire game.

"It's like the captain, Willis Reed former Knicks center - all he has to do is limp out and we'd follow him," Tampa Bay LB Barrett Ruud said.

"I've only been here a few months, but I can already feel the presence of Derrick Brooks on this football team," Tampa Bay C Jeff Faine said.

Brooks finished with three tackles and helped limit Atlanta RB Michael Turner to 14 rushes for 42 rushing yards, while RB Jerious Norwood added only 18 yards on six carries.

After the victory, Brooks did not have any hamstring discomfort, but expected to approach practice this week with the same caution.

"I'm probably going to have another muzzle put on me by coaches, but again, I just want to take it day by day as I did last week," Brooks said.

TIGHT ENDS BEING TARGETED: Tampa Bay tight end Alex Smith could not remember the last time he received so much attention.

Smith was a target of Bucs QB Brian Griese on Sunday as he finished with two receptions for 20 yards. Although Smith's stats were not overwhelming, he was excited about being an active part of Tampa Bay's offense.

"It's a start. We Griese and Smith just have to connect on a couple of more plays," Smith said. "To have opportunities come my way, that's more than I've had in the past."

Griese was able to connect with TE John Gilmore, his former teammate in Chicago, on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the first quarterback. Gilmore finished with two receptions for 41 yards.

"When your number is called, you've got to be ready," Gilmore said. "We went out there and had a pretty good game today. Four catches between the both of us is pretty good work."

STEADY AS IKE: Bucs WR Ike Hilliard is not a starter, but proved against Atlanta he is still the team's most consistent pass catcher.

Hilliard led the team with four receptions for 41 yards. Three of Hilliard's receptions were third-down conversions, plus he recorded his 500th career reception Sunday.

"I'm not starting anymore, so my opportunities are limited," Hilliard said. "I had to basically go back to what I did in year one here when I was coming off my free agency with the New York Giants and look forward to my 15 or 25 snaps and do what I can with those."

BUCS BITS: Golfer Tiger Woods was on Tampa Bay's sideline against Atlanta. ... Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway did not play in the second half due to a foot sprain, while CB Aqib Talib suffered a hamstring injury. After the game, Talib said he was fine, but Galloway was unavailable for comment. ... Tampa Bay WR Michael Clayton was inactive in the season opener, but activated against Atlanta, largely because WR Maurice Stovall (neck strain) was unable to play. Clayton finished with one reception for 6 yards. ... Bucs RB Michael Bennett was inactive for the second consecutive week. ... Bucs DE Greg White recorded his second sack of the season and finished with 1.5. He currently has 2.5, while Kevin Carter recorded a sack and currently is in second place among active players with 101 career sacks.

Anwar S. Richardson

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT