Speakers simulate crowd at practice

TAMPA -- To simulate the noisy environment at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, the Bucs set up big speakers on their practice field Wednesday.

During some offensive drills, the Bucs blasted fan noise recorded at Raymond James Stadium last week. Coach Jon Gruden wanted to prepare his offense for calling signals and plays this weekend.

"I think it hurt us in our last game in Atlanta," Gruden said. "It made it a little harder on our tackles to get off on time. It's something I think we have to practice, signalling, audibling, communicating in the noise. It's going to be a challenge in Philadelphia, I can speak from past experience there."

Quarterback Brad Johnson said he's open to any additional help.

"We did it in college, we did it in high school and I've done it in the pros. It's loud on Sundays," Johnson said. "There's a lot of verbiage in our system, and it kind of puts pressure on you in practice to be ready for what's going to happen. It was loud in Cincinnati. It was loud in Baltimore. Even Atlanta got loud. And it gets loud in Raymond James (Stadium). We're kind of used to it. It can't hurt us."

Safety John Lynch, who has been with the team since 1993, said he hasn't seen the speakers at practice since before the Tony Dungy era.

"It was 1994, since Sam Wyche, since we've had that," Lynch said. "As if those 757 jets roaring by aren't enough."

PUT AWAY THE PEN: In a game against the Seahawks on Monday night, 49ers receiver Terrell Owens reached into his sock, pulled out a Sharpie and autographed a ball seconds after scoring a touchdown. He then gave the ball to his financial adviser in the front row.

"I've never heard of that," Gruden said. "Only T.O. can get away with that."

The display has been a hot topic among players, drawn the ire of some fans and prompted the league to react. The NFL said Wednesday it would not discipline or fine Owens. "However, such acts will not be tolerated going forward," league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Gruden said he would not know how to react if one of his players did that.

"I don't know what I would say," he said. "I would probably be at a loss for words, like I am now. ... I would say nice catch and what are you doing with that Sharpie."

And how does receiver Keyshawn Johnson feel about it?

"I know one thing though, if I put two pens in my sock, I'm not going to be able to use it around here," Johnson said joking about his one touchdown in the past 22 regular season games. "They will dry out."

NEW BUC IN TOWN: Former University of South Florida long-snapper Ryan Benjamin reported Wednesday and had little time to soak in the surroundings. Benjamin, who attended River Ridge High School in East Pasco County, signed with the Bucs on Monday after long-snapper Morris Unutoa was released.

"Probably (Tuesday) it started sinking in a little bit," Benjamin said. "It all happened so quickly. I was at home and I had phones going in both ears with people calling in. I didn't have time to sit and think about it. So far, it's been great."

BAGGING MCNABB: Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has been sacked 19 times in five games. He's on pace to eclipse last season's total of 39.

The Eagles have struggled with injuries on their offensive line, most notably starting guard John Welbourn. But McNabb wouldn't put all the blame on the linemen.

"It's a little bit of everything," McNabb said. "It happened early and it probably won't happen again. To be 3-2 and have as many sacks as we have, I'd rather have the wins than the sacks. But we're going to get them down."

INJURY REPORT: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp was added to the injury report with a left knee sprain and did not practice. He is probable. Safety Dexter Jackson (right turf toe) and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (left foot sprain) returned to practice and are probable. Lynch (right knee sprain) is probable but sat out practice.