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Many Bucs taking the week off

With nothing on the line against the Eagles, several starters may sit out with ''injuries''.

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 3, 2002

TAMPA -- The NFL traditionally frowns on teams that have clinched playoff berths benching their starters. Phantom injuries aren't considered competitively legitimate.

But suddenly -- wink, wink -- the Bucs' injury report is filling up. Tampa Bay has 17 players on the injury list for Sunday's game against the Eagles -- meaningless to both teams -- and some Bucs starters may not be in uniform, including Pro Bowl receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

Johnson has a left ankle sprain and has taken a number of shots this season. He is questionable, which means he has a 50 percent chance of missing the game.

"The tough thing with him will be who's going to tell him," coach Tony Dungy said. "We'll see. He doesn't like to miss games and he's made that clear, and I think I've made it clear that I have the final decision."

Johnson leads the NFC and is tied for first in the league with 106 receptions. He would need a stellar performance Sunday to pass Herman Moore's NFL record of 123 catches.

"I think he will say the chance to be healthy in 100 percent of the playoffs is more important than the record," Dungy said.

Defensive end Marcus Jones (right shoulder sprain) is out, and running back Warrick Dunn (right turf toe) is doubtful.

"We've had a lot of guys who would benefit from a week off and we haven't been able to give them a week off because we've had so much riding on them," Dungy said. "We'll see how (Dunn) does in practice this week. We'll probably hold him out the first part of the week and see how he is on Friday."

Cornerback Ronde Barber (left hamstring strain), defensive tackle Warren Sapp (left shoulder strain), linebacker Jamie Duncan (left ankle sprain), kicker Martin Gramatica (right hamstring strain), safety John Lynch (right shoulder sprain), tight end Dave Moore (left thigh contusion) and receiver Frank Murphy (left ankle sprain) are questionable.

Fullback Mike Alstott (right thumb sprain), receiver Reidel Anthony (right hamstring strain), linebacker Derrick Brooks (left calf strain), center Jeff Christy (right knee strain), guard Cosey Coleman (right ankle sprain), quarterback Brad Johnson (right knee strain) and guard Randall McDaniel (right elbow sprain) are probable.

Said Barber, joking: "I've got a real injury, I don't know about some of these other guys."

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