Sports: Just like that, Cook is fullback backup

Just like that, Cook is fullback backup

By BRANT JAMES, RICK STROUD and ROGER MILLS

TAMPA -- Rookie fullback Jameel Cook doesn't have to look at the depth chart. He is the depth chart.

With starter Mike Alstott (hamstring), and backups Charles Kirby (torn Achilles') and Rabih Abdullah (hamstring) injured, the sixth-round pick out of Illinois is the only option -- at least until Abdullah's return, possibly Monday. Or, coach Tony Dungy said, until some of his tight ends begin sharing time at fullback.

The Bucs don't expect to start the season with Cook as the starter, but they are fretting the loss of continuity.

"There's no question it has affected (preparations)," offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said. "It's affected it already. You don't have any continuity. You don't have a day when you've had the whole offense together. But you've got to adjust and go on."

For Cook, a 5-foot-10, 237-pounder considered a blocker and pass-catching threat, those adjustments have come as quickly as the chance.

"It's working out for me," he said. "I'm just looking at this as a great opportunity, getting more film on me and showing the guys they can depend on me when guys go down. That's what I want. If somebody goes down, I can step right in and start or whatever I have to do to help the team win."

HEGAMIN STILL OUT: Backup right tackle George Hegamin, an eight-year veteran who played in 16 games at left tackle last season, was again excused from camp and Dungy said there is no timetable for his return.

"There's really no difference from the other night," Dungy said. "He has some personal issues he's trying to get resolved and he's excused from practice right now."

Hegamin apparently is considering retirement.

In his absence, DeMarcus Curry, who dressed for three games in two seasons, moved up on the depth chart as right tackle Jerry Wunsch's lone backup.

OTHER SIDE: Few are in a better position to evaluate the progress of the offense than sixth-year defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, and he likes what he has seen.

"The thing I like about our offense is Clyde and the coaches, they're doing the same thing over and over and over," Kiffin said, "not jumping to this and jumping to that -- panicking. This might be the best offense we've had here."

DORM LIFE: As the Bucs gained an All-Pro linebacker on Wednesday, when Derrick Brooks returned to camp, quarterback Brad Johnson and safety John Lynch lost a late-night pest.

When Brooks moved into the team dormitory and brought along his television, roommate Warren Sapp no longer needed to hang out elsewhere.

"They told me (Sapp) was over there to 1, 2 o'clock in the morning every night," Brooks said. "So I think Brad and Lynch are more happy (than anyone) about me coming to practice, bringing all the accessories Sapp is not used to bringing. They said it was rough."

QUARTERBACKS: Dungy said he would decide tonight his quarterback rotation for Monday's preseason game against the Dolphins. Dividing time among starter Johnson, and backups Shaun King, Ryan Leaf and Joe Hamilton will be affected by Leaf's return to camp and whether he can be ready to play. He was excused Wednesday because of the death of his grandfather and might return tonight, Dungy said.

INJURY UPDATE: Wide receiver Jacquez Green (hamstring), running back Jamie Wilson (hamstring), cornerback Terrance Parrish (Achilles') and Anthony Midget (hamstring) are expected in practice today. Linebacker Jamie Duncan (hamstring) is a practice-time decision. Abdullah and tight end Damian Vaughn (groin) are doubtful. Safety Dexter Jackson (hamstring) is "50-50" Dungy said. King's right shoulder sprain is recovered.

WANTS: 1Kiffin has simple desires for the first preseason game Monday against Miami.

"What I look for is effort," he said. "You have to play physical. Hit people, tackle. We had minicamp and two-a-days, but we have not had live tackling yet. You can be an All-Pro, but starting Monday night you have to tackle. You just can't play great when you have your shorts on."

DUAL ROLES: Dungy said what has made Dexter Jackson a valuable asset to the team is his ability to play cornerback and safety. At 5 feet 10, 210 pounds, rookie cornerback Dwight Smith has the build of a safety and has a chance to play both positions, Dungy said.

"He may be able to (do both) eventually," Dungy said. "We're working him so much at corner now we really aren't thinking of him at safety. But eventually, I think that's something we could do."