Sprained ankle still bothering Pittman
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published November 22, 2007
TAMPA - Running back Michael Pittman did not participate in Wednesday's practice and appears to have aggravated his ankle sprain in his first game back after a five-week absence.
Pittman said after Sunday's game that he might have returned too soon, adding that the soreness affected his performance. He dropped a well-thrown pass and fumbled.
Pittman, unavailable for comment Wednesday, said Sunday: "I couldn't concentrate really because I hadn't been hit and didn't know what my ankle would do. I wasn't myself. ... I kind of wish I would have waited another week."
It's not clear whether Pittman did any additional damage, though he did initially tear ligaments in his right ankle.
This just in: Gaines Adams got a sack Wednesday.
NFL scorekeepers, in reviewing film of Sunday's game, credited the rookie with a sack and forced fumble for a play he made against quarterback Byron Leftwich during the third quarter at Atlanta.
Adams rushed past a lineman and attempted to tackle Leftwich as he released the ball. Nose tackle Chris Hovan caught the fluttering ball in midair for what appeared to be his first career interception.
The change was made likely because it was determined Leftwich had not begun his throwing motion when Adams grabbed his arm from behind.
Hovan gets credit for a fumble recovery while Adams adds to his sack total, giving him 31/2, including two Sunday.
TEACHER, STUDENT REUNION: Redskins receiver Keenan McCardell, who spent parts of three seasons with the Bucs before a contract dispute and holdout prompted his trade to San Diego, recalled how much he learned from Jon Gruden, even as a veteran.
"He's a hell of a coach, to be honest with you," said McCardell, in his 16th pro season. "He's probably the best offensive coach I've been around. He finds the defense's weaknesses and he's going to exploit it. I understood a lot of football before I got there, but once I got there, I understood how much matchups really play (into) this game."
JUNE TO START: Gruden said linebacker Cato June, arrested on suspicion of DUI early Monday, will start Sunday against Washington.
MANY THANKS: Quarterback Jeff Garcia said he and wife Carmella have something in particular to be grateful for this holiday season.
"I'm thankful for so many things, but most important, I'm thankful for the little girl that we're going to have in about five months," Garcia, 37, said. "That's something that I'm very excited about that we just found out (Tuesday)."
As for the Gruden household, he said the holiday would involve some family football, but he would play only a peripheral role.
"Usually my brother (Jay) and his boys come over and we have a nice meal and a flag football game out in the yard," Gruden said. "It's his kids against my kids and we're 26-point underdogs right now. ... I'm just a fan. I break up the fights and bring Band-Aids."