LAKE BUENA VISTA - Running back, one of the Bucs' most crowded positions at the start of camp, took another blow Wednesday morning when starter Michael Pittman left practice early after pulling a muscle in his chest.
Pittman did not attend the afternoon session, but coach Jon Gruden said he expects the team's leading rusher from last season to return to practice today.
Pittman's absence, combined with injuries that have shelved reserves Earnest Graham and Tony Taylor for extended periods, left the team with three healthy established runners: Thomas Jones, Aaron Stecker and Terry Kirby, along with second-year pro Travis Stephens. That meant more repetitions for everyone in the heat.
"If anything, we're mad that he went out (because) that means more reps for us," said Stecker, who is listed as Pittman's top backup. "It's only four of us out there working it. On a day like this we need all the bodies we can get."
At least one of that group - more likely two - won't be around when the season starts, so it's a brief opportunity to shine, but Stecker said there has been more camaraderie than competition.
"We're all friends - we're always joking around," Stecker said. "There's no animosity in the locker room. You don't want to see anything bad happen. You want a healthy competition and the best man will win the job."
Gruden said Stephens, who did not play as a rookie last season and has four carries in two preseason games, will get more opportunities Monday against St. Louis.
LINE WOES: Mitch White lined up at right tackle with the first team in the afternoon session, with starter Kenyatta Walker limited to an exercise bike and backup Cornell Green participating only in individual workouts as they recover from ankle sprains.
"Right place at the right time," said White, who played right tackle at Oregon State but has also dabbled at guard and left tackle in two pro seasons.
White was on the practice squads of four NFL teams last season, spending time with the Saints, Jets, Packers and Chiefs before joining the Bucs in January to finish the season in his native San Diego.
"You've got to keep cranking away, that's the key," White said. "I'm going to keep doing my thing and maybe things will happen."
Gruden hopes Walker can return for Saturday's practice and play Monday, while Green's status for the Rams game is "questionable at best," according to the coach.
HE'S BACK: After missing two days with swelling on his knee, defensive tackle Warren Sapp was back at practice, joking with teammates and returning to his normal vocal presence during drills.
"The good thing about having Sapp on your team is it's a livelier day, a livelier meeting, a lively life with Warren Sapp around," Gruden said. "That's why I love him dearly."
GIANT STEP AHEAD: Fullback Darian Barnes was one of three rookies to finish last season on the 53-man roster, and he appreciates where he is now when he considers where he was at this time a year ago.
Barnes, who played only two seasons in college - one each at Rutgers and Hampton - was cut by the Giants before last season and was claimed off waivers. He played in six regular-season games and all three in the playoffs as a reserve in the backfield and on special teams, where he had three tackles.
The experience he gained last season has given him more confidence in his chances of making the roster, but job security still is weeks away.
"It's different now, because I know the system," the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Barnes said. "You know what you're doing, so now it's just a matter of playing. It helps, but it's not assuring."
Barnes is listed ahead of third-year pro Jameel Cook as the backup to starter Mike Alstott. The Bucs could keep three fullbacks, as they did last season, but they are more likely to carry a third tailback, meaning Barnes' best bet is to stay ahead of Cook.
"This is a rough business. One day you're here, one day you're not," Barnes said. "You have to play hard while you're here."
Cook has more experience and has helped Barnes learn the offense since Barnes joined the team before last season.
"We're cool. I love that guy," Barnes said. "He helps me out. He's an older guy, so it's not really me telling him stuff than it is him telling me."
