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Morris says Bucs 'ahead of schedule' as workouts conclude

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2009

TAMPA - Not every member of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers has participated in voluntary workouts this offseason, but that is expected to change next week.

Tampa Bay wrapped up its voluntary workouts on Thursday and is shifting its attention toward next week's mandatory minicamp. The three-day camp will begin on Tuesday.

The Bucs expect to see guard Arron Sears, linebacker Barrett Ruud and quarterback Brian Griese next week. Sears has recently missed workouts because of undisclosed personal reasons, while Ruud and Griese's absences have not been publicly explained.

"I think those guys are anxious to get back to be honest with you," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "Whatever their situation is when they're gone, nobody wants to be away from this place. Look around. Everybody wants to be here.

"Whatever the situation is out here, to each his own. It's mostly private matters. When they get here, I'll be excited to see them."

While the workouts over the last five weeks have been classified as "optional team activities," what comes next is not optional. Any player who does not show up for minicamp next week will be fined by the team, a disciplinary measure the Bucs are not anticipating.

"It's mandatory," said Mark Dominick, Tampa Bay's general manager. "The only guys who wouldn't be here are guys who are excused. So far, we haven't excused anybody."

Tampa Bay defensive end Stylez G. White will be at minicamp, but will be excused from any contact drills.

White is still recovering from a recent motorcycle accident and will not be ready until training camp opens in August. As a result, backup defensive end Louis Holmes (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) likely will see more playing time behind Gaines Adams next week.

"Obviously, when you get anybody on your team away from your team because of an issue that they can control, or can't control, you're always in a panic," Morris said. "You'll always be worried about it. You're always concerned about your team. You're always concerned about your guys.

"Obviously I'm really concerned with Stylez, more or less, not just because he won't be here next week, but for Stylez."

Morris was not as concerned about quarterback Byron Leftwich, who is nursing a groin injury and missed workouts this week. He described the injury as minor and did not rule out his participation in minicamp.

Overall, Morris was happy with the intensity and execution of his team during its workout sessions.

"Really, in the voluntary segment, the way I look at it, you've prepared yourself to go into training camp to prepare yourself to go into the season," Morris said. "I guess we're ahead of schedule because I feel like we're ready for training camp right now."

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