By JOANNE KORTH and ROGER MILLS
Published November 21, 2003
TAMPA - Roman Oben might return to the Bucs lineup at left tackle Monday night against the Giants after missing the past three games with a broken hand.
"We've had two good days of practice and there's a chance that Roman Oben will be ready to go," coach Jon Gruden said. "We'll see how it goes the rest of the week, but we've been encouraged by the way (the offensive linemen) have worked the last couple days."
Right guard Jason Whittle, limited to special teams duty the past three weeks with a shoulder strain, also could return, allowing Cosey Coleman to return to left guard.
With Oben out, Kenyatta Walker moved from right to left tackle with mixed results. He improved each game, but committed costly personal fouls in losses to the Panthers and Packers.
If Oben plays, Walker could move back to the right.
"I tell you what, I'll be more prepared next year," Walker said. "During training camp I definitely will be at left tackle some. I will be prepared and be able to adjust."
McCARDELL LIMITED: Leading wide receiver Keenan McCardell did not practice Thursday with a sore right hamstring. Gruden said he hopes the 12-year veteran can return today or Saturday. McCardell is probable for Monday's game.
IN THE LONG RUN: Despite runs of 61 and 51 yards against the Packers, running back Thomas Jones will continue to back up starter Michael Pittman.
"The hard part is that Michael Pittman's had a very good year," Gruden said. "He's catching the ball. He's a versatile back who can run and do some things protection-wise that are what we need done at this time. Certainly, we're trying to get two halfbacks in the game together, but we do want more out of Thomas Jones and hopefully this week will be another opportunity for him."
COUNTER SPY: Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is not worried that Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber might try to sneak into the Giants locker room before the game to steal twin Tiki's playbook.
"Ronde's a little thinner, so I know the difference between them," Strahan said. "If I catch him in there, he probably won't be playing in the game. I'm going to break his legs."
MUTUAL RESPECT CLUB: Strahan and Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp publicly disagreed about the legitimacy of Strahan's record-setting 22.5 sacks in 2001 because of the manner in which Strahan recorded the final sack against the Packers' Brett Favre.
Now, they're cool.
So cool, in fact, they co-host a TV show via satellite on the new NFL Network.
"It's beautiful," Sapp said during a conference call with New York media. "It's just one of those deals where we can't physically choke or grab each other, so it's all right. ... Just two guys who have been in this league for quite a while trying to shed some light on the game and how we play it. I think we do a good job."
During a conference call with Tampa Bay media, Strahan called Sapp the top defensive tackle in the league despite having only three sacks this season.
"If he's not getting sacks, trust me, he's disrupting and doing a lot of other things," Strahan said. "You have to realize, there are teams out there that will give a sack to somebody else in order for him not to get one, would just rather somebody else get it than Warren Sapp. I don't think you can diminish what he's doing this year."
INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Nate Webster (turf toe) is questionable. Linebacker Ryan Nece (right ankle sprain), safety Jermaine Phillips (broken right forearm) and McCardell are probable.
