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For some, avoiding ax is top objective
Bucs players looking to secure jobs - here or elsewhere - have one game left to do it.
By RICK STROUD
Published August 28, 2007
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[Joseph Garnett Jr. | Times]
Veteran John Wade, 32, is holding off Dan Buenning and Matt Lehr for the starting job at center.
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By RICK STROUD
Times Staff Writer
In five days, the Bucs will slash their roster to the NFL limit of 53 players.
That's a lot of prospective UPS drivers hitting the streets. The bloodletting began Monday when the team announced the release of nine players. Two more must be cut by 4 p.m. today to reach the current limit of 75.
No big names have been whacked, but for the guys who have been working hard since January, it's not easy to get your dream crushed.
"It's always hard, but you've got to do it," coach Jon Gruden said. "You have to reduce your roster when it's time to reduce your roster. We've made some tough decisions today, but it doesn't mean that these guys' careers are over. I think that there is a chance that some might come back or some might move on elsewhere.
"It's always tough; you spend a lot of time with these guys, and you want them to do well."
The final preseason game Thursday against the Houston Texans will tell the tale for many players on the bubble.
Several spots still have to be sorted out. Veteran John Wade, 32, is holding off Dan Buenning and Matt Lehr for the starting job at center.
The defensive line is in constant flux, especially now with a knee injury to Patrick Chukwurah. That might present an opportunity for first-round pick Gaines Adams to crack the starting lineup.
Quarterback Chris Simms, who has played one series this preseason, may be making his final appearance in a Bucs uniform Thursday. And the club still needs to find a No.  2 receiver.
"It's just close," Gruden said of the competition. "With that said, we might have a committee playing flanker for a couple games. A lot of teams do that and it's not a bad thing."e_SClBThe look of the Bucs taking final shape
A position-by-position look at how the competition shakes out:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (3)
Locks
Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski
On his way out
Chris Simms
Position analysis
At 37, Garcia might not be the right quarterback for the Bucs' future. But he's Mr. Right Now. Gruden has had success with veteran signalcallers who can make yards when a play breaks down. With his fifth team in five years, Garcia will have another chance to see if he fits the savior role. McCown may be one of the best athletes on the roster and opened eyes after missing a year with a knee injury. Gradkowski is making a late run at the No.  2 spot.
As for Simms, well, read the wall-writing. No reps, one series in preseason. Left-handed. Enjoy his last appearance Thursday in a Bucs uniform barring injury to the other three.
Running backs(4 or 5)
Locks
Cadillac Williams, Michael Pittman, Earnest Graham, B.J. Askew
On the bubble
Kenneth Darby
On their way out
Lionel Gates, Byron Storer
Position analysis
Cadillac, above, and Pittman, who will play some fullback, are starters. Askew is the only true fullback available for short yardage situations. Darby flashed early in camp, but there's no equity in a seventh-round pick. Gates put the ball on the ground, a quick ticket out of town.
Receivers (5 or 6)
Locks
Joey Galloway, Maurice Stovall, Ike Hilliard, Michael Clayton
On the bubble
David Boston, Mark Jones, Paris Warren
On their way out
Chas Gessner, Chad Lucas
Position analysis
Talk about your hanging Chads. Just don't buy talk about Clayton getting whacked, for whom? Boston would be a lock, save for his pending urinalysis. Jones probably makes it as a kick returner. May see a few others on the practice squad.
Tight ends (3)
Locks
Alex Smith, Anthony Becht
On the bubble
Jerramy Stevens, Keith Heinrich
On their way out
Matt Herian, C.J.Leak
Position analysis
The guess is at least two bubble guys make it. The Bucs really like Heinrich, who can block and has decent hands. Stevens can stretch the field, but not sure the Bucs are sold on him. Becht is steady if unspectacular.
Offensive line (8-10)
Locks
T Luke Petitgout, G Arron Sears, T Jeremy Trueblood, G Davin Joseph, C John Wade, G-T Anthony Davis, G/C Dan Buenning
On the bubble
T Donald Penn, G Jeb Terry, C Matt Lehr, T Chris Denman
On their way out
T Dennis Roland, G Enoka Lucas
Position analysis
No disputing the locks. Versatility is the key. Give Buenning the nod because he has looked better in the past two games and can play guard or center. Penn has a shot as a swing tackle. Denman, a.k.a., the Undertaker, could be buried on the practice squad.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (7-8)
Locks
DE Gaines Adams, DE Greg Spires, DT Jovan Haye, DE Kevin Carter, DT Chris Hovan, DE Patrick Chukwurah
On the bubble
DT Ryan Sims, DT Ellis Wyms, DE Julian Jenkins, DT Darrell Campbell, DT Greg Peterson, DE Greg White
Position analysis
The Bucs have some real depth at this position, so look for one or more of these bubble guys to be traded. Wyms' salary makes him a candidate, but it would be risky given the need at the under tackle position. We expect Peterson, the draft pick, to stick. Adams has a nose for the football and makes splash plays but his technique will limit him as a rookie. Carter was a great addition on and off the field.
Linebackers (6)
Locks
MLB Barrett Ruud, WSLB Derrick Brooks, SSLB Cato June, SSLB Quincy Black, MLB Ryan Nece, WSLB Jamie Winborne_SClBOn the bubble
WSLB Adam Hayward
On his way out
MLB Jerry Mackey
Position analysis
June, above, spices up a linebacking corps that had gone flat. If the Bucs felt Ruud will hold up inside, they wouldn't have flirted with Jeremiah Trotter. Hayward is a practice squad candidate who could make it. Black will be a great edge rusher in the 3-4.
Defensive backs (8-10)
Locks
CB Ronde Barber, CB Brian Kelly, SS Jermaine Phillips, FS Will Allen, SS Sabby Piscitelli, FS Tanard Jackson, CB Phillip Buchanon, S Kalvin Pearson
On the bubble
CB Alan Zemaitis, SS Donte Nicholson, CB Sammy Davis
On his way out
CB Carlos Hendricks, CB Marcus Hamilton
Suspended list
Torrie Cox
Position analysis
One of the most competitive positions in camp. Jackson and Piscitelli will push Allen and Phillips for minutes. The Z-man looked good but maybe not good enough this year. Cox will serve a four-game suspension.
Specialists (3)
Locks
P - Josh Bidwell,K - Matt Bryant, LS - Andrew Economos
On his way out
P - Sean Douglas
Position analysis
Bidwell and Bryant are solid pros and were virtually unchallenged. Might keep Douglas around another game to let him kick off and spare Bryant's leg.
Compiled by Rick Stroud, Times staff writer
[Last modified August 28, 2007, 00:31:32]
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