Bucs CB Talib questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib missed a consecutive day of practice Friday because of a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina.

Talib was a limited participant on Wednesday, but apparently suffered a setback. Bucs Coach Raheem Morris is unsure if his starter will play this weekend.

"He's kind of been the same way, the same status most of the time," Morris said. "He had more practices the other weeks he's been limited. You never what's going to happen to him when you wake up on Sunday."

If Talib is unable to play, backup cornerback Elbert Mack likely will start with Ronde Barber. Morris said his cornerbacks switch coverages so much, Barber and Mack will not always be on the right and left sides, respectively.

Talib has been matched against opponents' top receivers every week, but the Bucs will rely on Barber to shut down Steve Smith, who has 604 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns this season. In the past nine meetings between the teams, Smith has six 100-yard receiving games.

In addition, receiver Michael Clayton (knee) is out and backup Maurice Stovall likely will start. Stovall, who is listed as probable because of a thigh injury, has 14 receptions for 212 yards and one touchdown this season.

Defensive lineman Michael Bennett (toe) is out, running back Clifton Smith (knee) and defensive tackle Roy Miller (ankle) questionable. Tackle Donald Penn (knee), defensive end Stylez G. White (hand) and Kellen Winslow (knee) are probable.

Paying the price
White was forced to run extra laps after practice because he jumped offsides on a play. White jogged slowly during his punishment and expressed his dissatisfaction with Morris after the run was complete, which did not change the coach's opinion.

"We've got a new policy on the offsides and we've got to run some laps," Morris said. "Stylez didn't feel he was offsides and that he got back, but when you jump, you jump. We'll run 'em."