Knee could sideline Clayton

By RICK STROUD, Times wires
Published November 12, 2005

TAMPA - Michael Clayton had never missed a practice during his young NFL career until this week. Now it appears he will spend his first game on the sideline.

The Bucs receiver, who is nursing a bruised right knee sustained in last weekend's 34-14 loss to Carolina, did not practice Friday. But Clayton, who hasn't tested the knee by running this week, says he has not ruled out playing Sunday against the Redskins.

"I think I'll be all right," Clayton said. "It's just a matter of getting with (trainer) Todd ( Toriscelli) and seeing what they want to do. I haven't practiced all week and I know Coach is going to take that into consideration. If I'm healthy, I'll play."

Coach Jon Gruden said Clayton is "on the downside of questionable," and plans to give veteran Ike Hilliard his first start of the season. Running back Michael Pittman (shoulder stinger) is improving but still questionable. Tackle Anthony Davis (knee sprain) practiced Friday and is probable. Safety Dexter Jackson (hamstring) is making progress but is not expected to play.

VETERANS DAY AT ONE BUC: The Bucs practiced in front of 40 U.S. Marines and 10 area VFW members who were guests on Veterans Day. The Marines are members of the Fourth Assault Amphibian Battalion, recently returned from a second tour in Iraq for many attending Friday's workout. Seven of the Marines in the unit have been awarded Purple Hearts for their service in the Middle East.

"They inspired us to have a good practice and we thank them for coming," Gruden said. "It's Veterans Day, and we've got to really put things in perspective and thank the people for doing what they do."

TAYLOR OUT?: Redskins safety Sean Taylor likely won't play because of a sprained ankle sustained in a win over San Francisco three weeks ago. He has not practiced this week and was downgraded from probable to questionable.

[Last modified November 12, 2005, 00:55:15]