By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Oct 13, 2011 05:56 PM

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ injury list is daunting, with running back LeGarrette Blount (knee), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (ankle) and linebacker Mason Foster (ankle) not practicing again Thursday.

Foster, the rookie third round pick from Washington who leads the Bucs in tackles, took some mental reps during practice at Tropicana Field Thursday, according to coach Raheem Morris, and has the best chance of playing among the three against the Saints.

If Foster is unable to go, the middle linebacker duties will be split between Adam Hayward and Quincy Black, who would move over from his strong side position on passing downs. Black, who did not play last week at San Francisco due to an ankle sprain, had full participation in practice Thursday.

“Mason looked a little bit better…we’ll see where he is tomorrow,” Morris said. “It’s hard to say with do you think he’ll play stuff. I don’t play that game. I just get the next guy ready. He’s out there on a limited basis. He’s out there at (middle linebacker)…getting the mental reps.

“Adam Hayward is our backup (middle linebacker) right now so he’s been out there doing some things. We’ve still got Quincy who can back up and do some nickel (middle linebacker) things as well. We’ve got all these guys ready to go with hopes Mason (will play).”

Tight end Luke Stocker (knee) and WR Sammie Stroughter also did not practice Thursday and are expected to be out against the Saints. Linebacker Zac Diles, who did not play last week due to a hamstring injury, was limited in practice Thursday along with tackle James Lee. Cornerback Aqib Talib (knee) practiced again Thursday.

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Aug 31, 2011 04:02 PM

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TAMPA — Thursday’s fourth preseason game presents a final chance both for the evaluation of players and last-ditch efforts by long shots to make the roster.

With roster cuts looming on Saturday, what and who will be under the microscope Thursday?

Let’s examine.

The tight end lineup

We know Kellen Winslow has things locked down as the starting tight end, and Luke Stocker is the presumptive No. 2 for use in two tight-end sets.

After that, it’s a toss up. If the Bucs keep just three tight ends, a distinct possibility, this is the final shot for rookie Daniel Hardy, Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay to sell themselves to coaches in their bids for the last roster spot.

The Bucs’ recent history suggests Hardy is well-positioned because he was drafted. The Bucs oftentimes opt to keep their draft picks in position battles that are close. The Bucs like his athleticism, which he’s begun to showcase in the past couple of weeks.

But this is no slam dunk, making Thursday’s game — in which reserves will play extensively — a prime opportunity.

Kregg Lumpkin’s role

Earnest Graham seems the inevitable choice for third-down running back given his skill set and the apparent ability of Erik Lorig to lighten Graham’s role at fullback.

But coach Raheem Morris went out of his way to point out that he and his coaches want to see something out of Kregg Lumpkin Thursday. After spending the majority of 2010 chained to the bench, Lumpkin finally has gotten a legitimate opportunity this preseason.

While his 3.6 yards per carry is the highest this preseason among the Bucs’ running backs, Lumpkin’s body of work doesn’t measure up to Graham’s. However, remember that Graham gained a reputation as Mr. August because of his preseason rushing success, and it proved a precursor to more regular-season opportunities.

Lumpkin can make a statement Thursday that might serve him well later, even if Graham gains the upper hand for now.

Defensive line decisions

Thirteen of the 80 players currently on the roster are defensive linemen. And here’s a news flash: They can’t all stick around.

The problem — a good one for the Bucs — is that most have had measurable impact this preseason, making decisions tougher. A guy clearly on the bubble is oft-injured end Kyle Moore, who has been one of the biggest surprises of the preseason. Another end on the bubble is George Johnson, who is tied for the NFL lead this preseason with three sacks. Still, it’s possible neither player will make the roster.

That’s how competitive this unit has been. When roster battles are this close, even a game that seems meaningless could impact decisions.

How many receivers stay?

The Bucs have six receivers who all spent time on the active roster last season. The problem is that most clubs don’t keep that many receivers at final cuts.

But the Bucs are a team willing to go with a “heavy” lineup at a position or two if there is a high concentration of talent. This philosophy might apply at receiver this season, where the Bucs, ideally, would like to keep Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn, Dez Briscoe, Micheal Spurlock, Sammie Stroughter and Preston Parker. But someone could have their bubble burst.

It appears there isn’t much room for guys like Ed Gant or Maurice Price.

Big night for two rookie DBs

Expect to see a lot of rookie cornerback Anthony Gaitor and — if he can overcome his high ankle sprain — safety Ahmad Black. Both are in fights for roster spots.

Gaitor has shown a great deal of aggressiveness this preseason and has displayed a nose for the football. He even recorded a sack on a cornerback blitz against Kansas City. He’s the kind of scrappy, long-shot player Morris loves. If he makes the roster, the seventh-round pick from FIU probably would do so at the expense of veteran Elbert Mack.

Black’s situation is complex. The fifth-round pick from Florida has been sidelined for most of the preseason with the ankle injury and only returned to practice this week. Can he do enough Thursday to prove he deserves a chance? It’ll be very tough given the more-experienced players ahead of him.

[Last modified: Aug 31, 2011 04:04 PM]

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By Gareth Rees

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Aug 31, 2011 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be live on television in the Tampa Bay area for just the second time this preseason as they tackle the Washington Redskins in the nations capital this Thursday at 7:30. Unfortunately, fans won’t get to see Josh Freeman or any of the first team as head coach Raheem Morris has already stated that he will be resting his starters during the preseasons final exhibition match. 

With the third preseason game, a 17-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins, usually considered the final tuneup for starters and first teamers, expect to see a heavy workload for backups, rookies, and undrafted free-agents attempting to secure a precious roster spot. Earlier this week, the team made 10 roster cuts bringing the total player number down to 80, but there are many tough decisions still to be made for the front office as they must get the roster trimmed down to 53 before the Detroit Lions come to Raymond James on September 11th. 

Even without the premiere players on the field there will be interesting battles unravelling on Thursday night. Here are some things to watch for:

• Running game: The Bucs have struggled to move the ball on the ground all preseason long with LeGarrette Blount unable to flash that bruising style that catapulted him to a 1000-yard rookie season. Perhaps it’s just something that the players are saving till the games count but the fact that the Buccaneers leading rusher so far is the backup quarterback is worrisome.
• Wide Receivers: It’s looking like the Buccaneers may keep only 5 wideouts on the active roster and with Mike Williams, Arrielious Benn, and Sammie Stroughter having three spots virtually locked up there will be battles for the last two slots. Veteran Michael Spurlock will have to show he can hold off newcomer Preston Parker and breakout player Dezmon Briscoe if he wants to remain a Buccaneer. Ed Gant and Maurice Price are also in the mix, but considered longshots.
• Defensive Line: Most of the defensive positions look filled but defensive end George Johnson has made things very interesting for the Buccaneers front office when it comes to pencilling in end rushers. Johnson has lead the team in sacks this preseason and played his way into the conversation at DE. If he can continue his hot play against the Redskins he may well find himself on the active roster come Sunday’s instead of the practice squad.
• Finally, stay healthy: Most important is that the players who project to end up on the active roster stay healthy. That’s why you won’t see Freeman or any of the skill position starters Thursday night. Even though it may diminish the quality of the game for the fans, it’s worth it to not have anyone get injured in a game that means absolutely nothing.

Read More: Josh Freeman (QB – TAM), Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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As the NFL lockout wraps up, it looks like our deduced timeline for the start of the 2011 Atlanta Falcons training camp was on point. The Birds are set to get underway at Flowery Branch on Thursday, July 28, as is most of the rest of the NFC South. Though not all at Flowery Branch. Awkward!

The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also scheduled to begin camp on Thursday, with the Carolina Panthers starting a day later.

Camp schedules for this season are based off Week 1 preseason game days, so each team will have the same number of days (15) between camp kickoff and their first game. No word yet on whether the Falcons will try and practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars or New England Patriots, two organizations with whom they practiced last year and maintain close ties, as there might not be time for all that this go-’round. We’ll wait and see.

And, of course, all this depends on every last piece of the deal going through.

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