Bucs forced to take risk in return game

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER and JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writers
Published October 25, 2007

TAMPA - Another week, another hole to fill.

This time, Tampa Bay is trying to make up for the loss of return specialist Mark Jones, out for the season with a left knee injury sustained against the Lions.

The Bucs likely will use a combination of receiver Ike Hilliard and cornerback Phillip Buchanon to handle punts, though that is not ideal because both are starters and would have a greater exposure to injury in the return game. But given a roster that has been ravaged by injuries, the Bucs don't have many options.

"We have some injuries at this time and we'll have to respond to those with the guys on our roster," coach Jon Gruden said Wednesday.

"Ike is a sure-handed guy, a north-south runner with some elusiveness. He's played really good football for us and we need him to do that chore. It's not an easy job. Some of these punters are unbelievable.

"Buchanon can hit home runs, I think. He's had some issues with his hand, which is one of the reasons we haven't used him back there."

But even with the long list of injuries, there remain a few untouchables when it comes to special teams.

"Joey (Galloway) is a guy who is dying to (return punts), but we have to be selective with those opportunities," Gruden said.

On kickoffs, which also were handled by Jones, the Bucs are likely to turn to reserve cornerback Torrie Cox. There is an outside shot, however, new acquisition Michael Bennett gets an opportunity. Known for his blazing speed, Bennett would be an intriguing possibility - one he hopes will come.

Told the Bucs have never returned a kickoff for a touchdown, the running back said: "Wait, wait, wait - there's never been a (touchdown) return? Oh, wow. I didn't know that. Never? That's a big motivation for me. I don't know what to say about that. Hopefully I can get back there and take one to the house. Thirty years is a long time."

NOT SO FAST: Running back Michael Pittman continues to be optimistic about returning from his right ankle injury sooner than the six to eight weeks laid out by team doctors. He said Wednesday he thinks there is a small chance he could return for the Nov.4 matchup against Arizona. But it appears that effort could be overruled.

"I know he'd like to play," Gruden said. "We miss him. Hopefully he can come back and play, but he's got a way to go if you ask me."

It's more likely - and even Pittman admits this - that he'll return after the team's bye week, making the Nov.18 game at Atlanta his target date.

Meanwhile, the Bucs were still missing tight end Alex Smith (ankle) and cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) during practice. Defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) returned and looks to have a shot to play on Sunday after missing a game.

GRAY TO START: Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard's ankle injury means Quinn Gray will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Bucs. Undrafted out of Florida A&M in 2002, the 6-foot-3, 254-pound Gray has 60 career pass attempts in five games.

Garrard, who could miss up to a month with a sprained right ankle, had not thrown an interception this season. Gray came off the bench Monday against the Colts and was 9-of-24 for 56 yards with two interceptions.

The Bucs are expecting an improved version.

"He's a good quarterback," defensive tackle Chris Hovan said. "He kind of got thrown into a situation Monday night and Indianapolis capitalized on it. But I'm sure they're going to prepare him, get him ready to play us this week.

"He can throw the ball. He's got some elusiveness to him."

Meanwhile, Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew missed practice because of a sprained left knee sustained Monday. But he said he expects to play Sunday.

[Last modified October 24, 2007, 21:30:59]