The daily grind

Bucs prepare for their first exhibition game against the Patriots.

By RICK STROUD
Published August 6, 2007

A daily look at Bucs training camp. For up-to-the-minute news, visit our Bucs Beat blog at bucs.tampabay.com.

Bucs camp schedule

Today: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-3:55 p.m. (special teams only)

Tuesday: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-4:50 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-4:50 p.m.

Thursday: 10:15-11:15 a.m. (walkthrough)

Friday: Patriots at Bucs, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: Off

Sunday: 2:45-4:30 p.m.

Aug. 13: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-4:45 p.m.

Aug. 14: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-4:45 p.m.

Aug. 15: 8:30-11 a.m., 2:45-4:45 p.m.

Aug. 16: 8:30-10:45 a.m.

Aug. 18: Bucs at Jaguars, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 25: Bucs at Dolphins, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30: Texans at Bucs, 8 p.m.

- Practices are free until moved to Tampa starting Aug. 17 - Games air on Ch. 8

An intriguing 13-year-old

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Call it the Predators' pipeline.

When the Bucs have a need to fill in a hurry, they often dial up Orlando's Arena League franchise coached by Jay Gruden.

But if kicker Matt Bryant struggles this season, maybe they should call Joey Gruden, Jay's 13-year-old son and the nephew of Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

Joey spent the second half of the morning practice kicking 25-yard field goals - successfully.

"Yeah, he made a 36-yarder (during a break in an Arena League game)," Jon Gruden said. "So we've reached into the Predators organization before with (kicker) Jay Taylor and obviously (defensive end) Greg White, and if we need Joey Gruden, we'll keep an eye on him."

Aches and pains

Safety Sabby Piscitelli did not practice Sunday because of what Gruden describes as "sore lowers." Left tackle Luke Petitgout (back) was limited to mostly noncontact drills. Linebacker Barrett Ruud (knee) and defensive tackle Ryan Sims (hamstring) did not practice. Receiver Joey Galloway and numerous veterans took the day off.

With Petitgout sidelined, Anthony Davis is back at left tackle and rookie Arron Sears has taken most of the first-team reps at left guard.

Play of the day

This is why Ronde Barber is one of the best slot defenders to ever play in the NFL. He demonstrated it in the morning session.

Barber broke up a pass from Luke McCown that was intended for Ike Hilliard and safety Will Allen intercepted the deflected ball.

Duck of the day

Receiver Michael Clayton played quarterback briefly in high school. But those skills weren't on display Sunday. During a group install period, Clayton was called upon to throw a pass downfield to Mark Jones. It wobbled well short.

"'His quarterback rating had been pretty good on that," Gruden said. "I'm sure he really wasn't loosened up. Sometimes when you call a play like that, not a lot of guys on your football team expect it.

"You've got to be able to make that play on short notice. He's got to be able to get on his toes because he and Ike (Hilliard) and some of the other guys, they all want that throw. Today wasn't a real good look at it."

Glazer donation

Bucs executive vice president Bryan Glazer and Gruden presented six grants totaling more than $26,000 on behalf of the Glazer Family Foundation after Sunday morning's workout. Accepting grant checks and commemorative plagues on the field were representatives from Achievement Academy of Lakeland, Manatee County Girls Club of Bradenton, Suncoast Voices for Children Foundation of Largo, Canine Companions for Independence of Orlando, Kids in Balance of Riverview and Clothes to Kids of Clearwater.

[Last modified August 5, 2007, 23:08:07]