Alstott's hamstring near 100%

By ROGER MILLS and RICK STROUD

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

TAMPA -- Fullback Mike Alstott, who is expected to play a crucial, multifaceted role in the new offense, took part in sprint drills Saturday.He is scheduled to do some more running today and could be back to practice Monday.

Alstott, who gained a team-high 949 yards last season, has a sore left hamstring and has not played in the preseason.

"Two weeks ago we didn't want to tear it or pull it any worse than it was and be out for months at a time, because a hamstring could do that to you," Alstott said. "(Saturday) was very positive. (Friday) I did some work that gave me a lot of encouragement to go out (Saturday) and do some things. It's not 100 percent but it's very close."

Since the offense's first unit managed only one touchdown in two preseason games, Alstott's return could be what it needs. The 6-foot, 250-pounder said he's not too far behind.

"I got two weeks left but I think I was really focused the two weeks I wasn't out there physically," Alstott said. "I thought mentally I was learning a lot. I was watching the other guys in film sessions and as they were getting critiqued I was putting myself in their situation ... trying to put it all together as if I was in that position."

In Les Steckel's new offense, the fifth-year player out of Purdue will have to master a number of positions: running back, fullback, H-back, tight end and nickel tight end.

"I'm very anxious," Alstott said. "We talked about my role and I want to see how my role is going to come about, what's going to happen. How it is going to take place. It'll be very interesting but I think it's going to be really, really good."

Alstott said he has been bothered by the inactivity but will not allow it to hasten his return.

"I can't get frustrated now, I have to worry about the regular season because that's when it counts," Alstott said. "I'll be back some time this week. I'm not going to rush it."

Said Steckel: "It's going to be unique. This is a challenge for him and for us as coaches because we have to be good teachers. Here's a guy that's really important to our offense."

SAFETY NET: With Dexter Jackson's right ankle in a cast and Damien Robinson (left hamstring), John Lynch(bruised ribs) and David Gibson (thigh bruise) on the mend, the Bucs are running out of safeties.

Enter cornerback Ronde Barber.

"It would be kind of a long day for a couple of guys, but hopefully they will be back," coach Tony Dungy said. "Ronde Barber has been our emergency guy back there and will be ready to go if he has to."

Secondary coach Herman Edwards told Barber on the flight from Miami he could take snaps at safety this week. If the Patriots game were today, Lynch and third-year pro Shevin Smith would start.

"We're going to be okay," Edwards said. "We have enough guys."

Rookie free agent Ashley Cooper, who hasn't played in the preseason because of a patellar injury to his right knee, could return to practice this week, Edwards said.

Robinson, who has been out since the first day of training camp, did some running Saturday and could return soon.

"Today I was able to run with no cramping so, we're making progress," Robinson said. "I ran about 75 percent, so we're moving in the right direction."

GUT CHECK TIME: The Bucs don't play again until Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., and considering the way things went Thursday, a spirited few days of practice is expected.

"I think this will be a big week for us because we do have a couple of extra days to work on our fundamentals and get situated that week," Dungy said. "We have a whole week to plan and get ready. We want to come out and play well, I think it'll be especially big for us to go play well on the road. We'll have three full days to prepare for New England, so that will help."

SAW IT COMING: The first-team offense's struggles aren't a complete shock to the coaching staff. Dungy said some of the rough spots were expected.

"I never had any illusions of it just coming in smooth, that when you change things, all of a sudden we were going to just be fantastic right out of the gate. We'll come along and I think we'll be fine. We're doing some good things. Shaun (King) is completing about 80 percent of his balls, which is good to see. No question Keyshawn Johnson is going to make catches and make plays. We've got to make ourselves throw to some other guys and see who else is going to step up and be a part of that. Our running game will improve. Right now, we've got Patrick Hape, Mike Alstott and Jason Odom out and they're going to be a big part of what we're going to do running the ball."

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

Headlines

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

---