Kelly bangs knee, misses practice
On Tuesday, cornerback Brian Kelly proclaimed himself 100 percent healthy and ready to go after toe surgery prematurely ended his 2006 season. By Wednesday morning, he was off the practice field and back in the training room with a fresh bruise.
By JOANNE KORTH
Published June 21, 2007
TAMPA - On Tuesday, cornerback Brian Kelly proclaimed himself 100 percent healthy and ready to go after toe surgery prematurely ended his 2006 season. By Wednesday morning, he was off the practice field and back in the training room with a fresh bruise.
Kelly missed the second day of Tampa Bay's mandatory minicamp after knocking knees with a teammate during Tuesday's workouts. While the Bucs practiced at Raymond James Stadium, Kelly remained at the team facility to receive treatment.
"I don't think it's anything serious, " coach Jon Gruden said. "He'll be ready to go for training camp. It's a good opportunity to look at some of the younger guys."
Kelly might practice today, the final offseason workout.
QB UPDATE: Quarterback Chris Simms did not take reps during the team periods, focusing on individual drills and footwork. Gruden said Simms will be more involved today.
Luke McCown, who missed most of 2006 after tearing his ACL a year ago, completed a perfectly thrown deep ball to receiver Joey Galloway for a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
CHANGE OF SCENERY: The team practiced at Raymond James Stadium for a more authentic gameday experience, complete with firing cannons from the end zone pirate ship. In the afternoon, players went bowling.
EARLY REVIEWS: Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin likes what he sees of the seven defenders in the rookie draft class, especially when they are on the move.
"They're just what we thought, " Kiffin said. "They're ambitious young men. They're here every day. You can't run them out of the building. They'll come back on the weekends if they need to. They've done everything we asked and they're getting better and better."
Their greatest asset cannot be taught.
"The one thing they can do, they can really run, " Kiffin said. "And I love the speed. They're young and they have a lot to learn. These are all good football players."
WHO IS THAT GUY?: Receiver David Boston has caught four passes in the past three seasons, of which Gruden reminds the injury-plagued former Pro Bowl player nearly every day.
"I don't even know if anybody knows he's around, " Gruden said. "That's what I tell Dave every day. 'People have forgotten about you.' "
Boston's 2004 and 2005 seasons with the Dolphins were cut short by knee injuries. He was in camp with the Bucs last year but was cut before the opener.
"I give Dave a lot of credit for being diligent and being thick-skinned and mentally tough during this process of rehabilitation, " Gruden said. "He's been out here every day and he's got a chance to explode back onto the scene, provided he stays healthy and does what he's doing right now."
NICE HANDS: Running back Cadillac Williams, who struggled at times catching passes, made two difficult catches during team drills, including one at his feet.
"He's a guy who has really worked at that craft, " Gruden said. "He made a couple nice catches away from his body. He could be a force on the perimeter as a pass receiver and down the field. His versatility as a pass receiver has really gotten better."