LB Brooks remains hamstrung

Veteran linebacker Derrick Brooks was in uniform for Sunday morning's first practice in pads, but the hamstring tweak he suffered Friday kept him from participating.

By JOANNE KORTH
Published July 30, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: BRENDAN FITTERER] errick Brooks (55) takes a knee during morning practice during the first day of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Veteran linebacker Derrick Brooks was in uniform for Sunday morning's first practice in pads, but the hamstring tweak he suffered Friday kept him from participating.

Hamstrings can be tricky, but the sideline is no place for Brooks.

Not only does the 13-year pro hate to miss reps, but the Bucs are making a concentrated effort to get younger on defense. Every rep Brooks misses is an opportunity for someone else, most notably free-agent weakside linebacker Cato June.

"We have great competition," linebackers coach Gus Bradley said. "You can't come out and have a slow day because somebody is right there."

June, in his fifth year, won the Super Bowl last season with the Colts while modeling his play after Brooks. June, who moved to move to strongside upon joining the Bucs, and Jamie Winborn split time at weakside with the first-team defense in Brooks' absence. June played in place of Brooks in the nickel defense when the strongside linebacker typically leaves the field.

Meanwhile, the team will be cautious with Brooks.

"We're going to listen to the trainer and try to get him out here as soon as possible," coach Jon Gruden said. "We want to see what our defense looks like as soon as possible. There are some new things we are looking at and, obviously, Derrick Brooks is a cog here."

Rather than stand on the sideline in shorts and a T-shirt, Brooks joined his teammates in donning pads for the first time.

"He wants to be a part of it any way he can, and he is a leader on the team," Gruden said. "He wanted to keep his finger on the football team by dressing out, and that's the smart thing to do."

Gruden also raved about June.

"He's looks great, just like he did in Indianapolis," Gruden said. "He's a very instinctive, very fast, tough football player. He loves it, and we need speed on that position in this defense."

D-LINE DECISIONS: Veteran defensive lineman Kevin Carter practiced at all four positions during the offseason and was considered a contender to start at under tackle, but training camp finds him almost exclusively at left end.

"I think he's a multiple guy," defensive line coach Larry Coyer said of Carter. "I think he can play out or in. I think it will be situational. He's established what his role is. He'll be at left end and he and Greg Spires will be co-starters at that position. In passing situations or against a big tight end, we'll decide who to use.

"The key to being successful is versatility. You don't want to have to worry about positions if an injury occurs. You want to be able to get your four best players out there. Because a guy plays here or there doesn't mean he can't be one of your best four."

Carter, in his 13th season, has started at end and tackle during his career. He is willing to play anywhere for the Bucs.

"When you make an agreement to be part of a team, you do what's asked of you," said Carter, who has played under tackle at practice in the nickel package. "Right now, we're still figuring everything out. By the time the season rolls around, things have a way of working themselves out for the betterment of the team. I don't care where I play; I just want to play."

QB CHRONICLES: As planned, Jeff Garcia skipped the afternoon practice. His absence was supposed to give Chris Simms more reps, but Luke McCown took advantage. Simms missed two open receivers in 7-on-7 drills and did not take any snaps in the subsequent 11-on-11 period, leaving all the work to McCown and Bruce Gradkowski.

[Last modified July 29, 2007, 23:02:53]