Stecker returning to special teams

TAMPA -- He has had just one chance at a return in the preseason, but Aaron Stecker will be the kickoff returner Sunday against the Saints.

Stecker, a competent running back who is the third option to carry the ball, said he is eager to contribute and inspired that the coaching staff wanted to find a way to get him in the game.

"It's all good," Stecker said. "I didn't have any opportunities in any of the preseason games until last week and I only got one (25-yarder against the Texans). But things work out that way. You have to be patient sometimes. I know it's tough when you're not the first or second option, but you have to find ways to do stuff on special teams."

It is not an unusual position for Stecker, now in his third season with the Bucs. Two years ago he made the team as a kickoff returner and last year he took over for Frank Murphy when Murphy was injured midway through the season.

"Somehow, I got out there late in the year and was able to do some things," Stecker said. "It's second nature now."

Coach Jon Gruden said he isn't concerned about Stecker being rusty as a return man.

"He's been practicing it since Day 1 of training camp," Gruden said. "There are a lot of guys in this league who don't do the trades we're asking them to do in the regular season during the preseason. Steck's protecting the football. He's done a great job of that as a back. So, I'm not worried about him fumbling it, that's for sure."

The last time the Saints played at Raymond James Stadium, on Dec. 23, Stecker nearly became the first Buc to return a kickoff for a touchdown during the regular season, with an 86-yard run. He was stopped on the Saints 12-yard line.

"I don't even want to look at that (film)," Stecker said. "I did break a few tackles, but I needed to find a way to get in the end zone. Everyone talks about the streak and how it could have ended right there and I was the closest to getting done. I was disappointed that I got tackled at the 12 and had an opportunity to score."

BOUNCING BACK: After lightning and thunderstorms forced the Bucs to practice at an adjacent parking lot Thursday, the team returned to the outdoor fields at One Buc Place on Friday.

"Yeah, it really was a breath of fresh air (to return to field)," Gruden said. "We had a backup plan in place in case it rained again. But that kind of stuff is going to test your football team and I was really impressed with them."

LOOK OUT LEE ROY: Forget Mark Gastineau. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp is concentrating on breaking the team sack record of 78.5 held by Lee Roy Selmon.

Sapp needs 14 to tie the Bucs only Hall of Fame player. But coming off a six-sack season, he has not been very vocal about his 2002 goals.

"I'm not avoiding it," Sapp said. "I have an idea where I'm going to be when I finish with this. That's on top of Lee Roy, so that's at least 14 (sacks). I know where I want to go. It's a matter me having 16 games and putting it down. Just because the man (Gruden) won't let me talk about it doesn't mean I'm not setting (goals). "

INJURIES: Fullback Jameel Cook (ankle) will play Sunday. If Cook were inactive, Mike Alstott would be Tampa Bay's only fullback.

"But we expect Cook to be okay," Gruden said. "Gosh, he's practiced all week and we're going to live in our hopes and not in our fears there. We expect Cook to play and then be ready to go for 60 minutes."

Offensive guard Cosey Coleman (knee) was downgraded to doubtful, according to Gruden, and not expected to play. Defensive tackle Buck Gurley also is not expected to play.