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Dunn injury means Cook gets chance

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 6, 2001

TAMPA -- There was a point in the first week of training camp when playing fullback was a kiss of death. Pro Bowl player Mike Alstott went down with a hamstring injury and backup Charles Kirby ripped his Achilles' tendon, ending his season.

It meant that rookie Jameel Cook, a sixth-round pick out of Illinois was, for a while, the only fullback. He played virtually every snap in two-a-day practices and never complained.

With Warrick Dunn out with a sprained foot and Alstott likely to play more running back, Cook will see more playing time.

"There's always a silver lining in anything that happens," coach Tony Dungy said. "Other guys get a chance. Jameel and (fullback/running back) Rabih (Abdullah) both got a lot of work in the preseason and that's going to help us over the next couple of weeks."

Cook said he knew the sacrifice in August would be worth something in the fall.

"Going through that, the whole camp, the whole preseason, that mentally and physically prepared me to be able to handle it," Cook said. "I know preseason is different from regular season in terms of tempo but I know the team can rely on me. I love to hit, love to catch, love to run, that's what they brought me here for."

A 5-10, 237-pounder with soft hands, Cook showed his receiving ability in the preseason. His contribution in two games has been a 4-yard reception.

"I'm willing to do whatever they ask me to do," he said. "If my role increases, that's what I'm going to do. I won't be surprised. I've been put in that position before and I'm just going to keep rolling and try to keep it up.

"The past two games I have played. So, it won't be anything new to me. Going through the preseason, I started and I had to step it up. It won't be a nervous thing for me."

SCARY MONTH: If it's October, it's time for baseball's Fall Classic and the Bucs are headed for their classic fall.

Since Dungy arrived in '96, Tampa Bay is 5-13 in October. Two years in a row, Tampa Bay went 1-3 in October to start the season 3-4.

Dungy said he hopes his team is better prepared to avoid a long skid.

"We're much more rested now than we normally are in October," he said. "We're not overworked, we're not injured. But it's something we've got to come with, the idea of practicing well every day and playing well every day and not let ourselves fall into a two- or three-game losing streak and feel like we have the time to make up for it. Because we may or may not."

GAMEDAY CEREMONIES: The Bucs plan a series of ceremonies for Sunday's home opener against the Packers to honor the victims and survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. There will be a presentation of a large American Flag held by members of the Tampa Police and Fire Department and servicemen from MacDill Air Force Base. Tampa Police Chief Bennie Holder and Fire Chief Pete Botto will be honorary captains for the coin toss. The Naval Aviation choir out of Pensacola will sing the national anthem and America the Beautiful.

American Red Cross will accept donations for the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund to support families of attack victims. Points of collection for donations will be on the east and west concourse level as well as the club lounges.

STILL CONFIDENT: After giving up a 96-yard winning drive against Minnesota on Sunday, the Bucs say they aren't apprehensive about facing a similar situation Sunday against Green Bay, even though quarterback Brett Favre is a master at making big plays.

"We looked at the film and put it behind us now, but we don't want to see that happen again. I venture to say that it won't," safety John Lynch said. "I like our chances when we're in that type of situation. In fact, I welcome it again this week."

BETTER PRACTICE: One day after lamenting the Bucs' lack of focus, Dungy pronounced them ready.

"I thought we were better today and I think we'll be ready to go," Dungy said. "Overall, I think it's been a pretty good week. I think the guys know what's riding on the game."

ETC: An autographed Derrick Brooks jersey is receiving bids through NFL.com in eBay's "Auction for America" program. The bid was $255 Friday afternoon. All proceeds benefit the September 11 Fund and the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund. ... Fox-TV color analyst John Madden arrived at One Buc Place in his trademark Madden cruiser.

INJURIES: Dunn (sprained foot) and defensive tackle James Cannida (sprained knee) are out for Sunday's game.

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