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Brooks, Dunn questionable

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 12, 2001

TAMPA -- After Thursday's practice, uncertainty remains over the availability of linebacker Derrick Brooks and running back Warrick Dunn for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Neither Dunn nor Brooks practiced Thursday, but coach Tony Dungy said the two Pro Bowl players weren't expected to return until today.

Of the two, Brooks seems more likely to play Sunday. After a moderate left foot sprain on the final play of Sunday's game, Brooks has not practiced this week.

"Derrick, hopefully, will practice (today)," Dungy said. "We think he's going to be able to practice and get some work in and get better by the weekend. So, our thought is he should be able to play. If he doesn't practice (today), it could be problematic."

Missing games hasn't been a problem for Brooks. He has not missed a game since being drafted by Tampa Bay in 1995. He has started every game, including playoffs, since the 1996 season.

Dungy said if Brooks doesn't play, Jeff Gooch would move into the starting lineup. Dungy also said it is unlikely the Bucs would activate Brooks if he isn't capable of playing the entire game.

As for Dunn, the prognosis is not as promising. Dunn sprained his right foot in the fourth quarter against the Vikings Sept. 30 and missed the Packers game. Dungy said Dunn would be back Oct. 21 against the Steelers but thought it would be a stretch for him to play Sunday.

"We probably have to look at it (today)," Dungy said. "Unless he's really doing very well and 100 percent (then he'll probably not play). He's pretty much right on schedule. We thought Friday would be the day when we found out one way or the other."

THE ULTIMATE BACKUP: Todd Washington subbed for Pro Bowl center Jeff Christy in the opener and came in for right guard Cosey Coleman against the Packers. Washington is getting significant playing time and proving to be a valuable asset.

"It's really difficult (to go in there and play at that level) because you're standing on the sideline and not playing," Washington said. "But it's something the coaches expect me to do."

Washington, in his fourth season out of Virginia Tech, has to spend time working with the second unit at the center spot and then find time to practice the right and left guard positions.

"Whoever goes down on the inside three, I'm the first one in," Washington said. "From a mental standpoint, that could put a little strain on you but if you're on top of your game plan and know what's going on, it shouldn't be a problem."

Washington said he practiced some at right guard this week but is sure Coleman will play Sunday.

"They're expecting Cosey to play, and he should be fine and ready to go," Washington said. "But if not, I'll be ready to go in."

HOMETOWN PEOPLE: The Bucs never have played at Adelphia Coliseum, but for a number of players Nashville is familiar territory.

Linebackers Jamie Duncan and Shelton Quarles and tight end Todd Yoder played at Vanderbilt.

"I created a lot of good relationships back in Nashville," Duncan said. "So I get a chance to see some of them and have some of them come to the game." It's particularly a homecoming for Gooch, who was born in Nashville and was a star quarterback and free safety at Overton High.

"All my people are back in Nashville," Gooch said. "My mom still lives there, all my family and friends and neighborhood people. Everything about me is Tennessee."

Gooch said he has requested 40 tickets for the game but needs about 80 to take care of all his family and his wife's family members from Memphis.

"I need more than 40, but if I can get that, I'll be cool," Gooch said. "It's on."

INJURY UPDATE: Defensive end James Cannida (left knee sprain) took part in light drills but is likely out. Coleman (right knee contusion), receivers Reidel Anthony (left shoulder) and Jacquez Green (left groin strain), safety John Lynch (left hip strain) and tight end Dave Moore (right ankle sprain) are listed as probable and practiced Thursday. Defensive end Marcus Jones (neck strain) was held out but is expected to return to practice today.

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