Petitgout poised for left tackle job

Unless the Bucs manage to net standout Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas in this month's draft, it seems they might have found their starter at that pivotal position.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published April 12, 2007

TAMPA - Unless the Bucs manage to net standout Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas in this month's draft, it seems they might have found their starter at that pivotal position.

Veteran Luke Petitgout, a former Giants lineman acquired last month in free agency, has worked exclusively at left tackle during voluntary workouts this week, and right now it appears there is little chance he will play anywhere else.

"I've been at left tackle," he said Wednesday. "I'm not an inside player. I'm going to be a tackle."

Petitgout, 30, has the ability to play right tackle as well, and has done so at previous times.

As for his health, the Notre Dame product who entered the league in 1999 said his left leg is "back to 100 percent" after the fibula was broken last season. He said he also suffered "a pretty bad ankle sprain" that also has healed.

Rumors of longtime back problems had been reported, but Petitgout shot them down.

"A lot of linemen have nagging back issues," he said. "As long as I don't do anything to hurt myself training, that's usually when I hurt it. I try to train too hard, doing dead lifts and things like that. On the football field, it's not an issue."

As a result of Petitgout's insertion at left tackle, Anthony Davis, who started there last season, has been taking snaps at left guard.

INJURY UPDATES: Coach Jon Gruden confirmed that defensive end Simeon Rice is not back in action yet after having shoulder surgery late last season. Gruden said the team hopes to have him on the field for the next set of voluntary workouts next month.

Also, guard Dan Buenning isn't expected to be completely healthy until training camp after tearing knee ligaments against Dallas on Thanksgiving.

GRUDEN ON BOARD: Gruden backed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who on Tuesday outlined a stronger conduct policy.

"Obviously, we understand the need for this policy and I back him 100 percent," Gruden said. "You know, this is a high-profile league and it's played by high-profile players. We all need to consider what a great opportunity it is to be in the NFL, and we all need to execute our responsibilities."

[Last modified April 11, 2007, 23:27:01]