And Another One’s Gone

It looks like Michael Clayton will be out for a couple weeks with a high ankle sprain, leaving exactly three healthy wide receivers on the roster: Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall. With Jerramy Stevens and Earnest Graham taking on more of the load, it is conceivable that the Bucs could go into next week's game with only those three, but it wouldn't be smart. Hilliard is kind of banged up as it is and you just never know what's going to happen with a 36-year old wide receiver.

The Bucs have three receivers on the practice squad: Taye Biddle, Chad Lucas and Michael Spurlock. Lucas was in camp this year but was cut, Biddle was brought in because he was a warm body in September and the team had a roster slot open, and Spurlock has been working hard to lose all that weight he gained for that McDonalds movie. Part of the reason you have a practice squad is for emergencies like this, but I just can't envision any of those guys making a difference on the team.

Who's available in free agency, though? Peter Warrick really wants to play for Tampa Bay.

Peter Warrick wants to catch passes.

Call him.

"I'm so ready," Warrick said Monday.

The Bucs need a punt returner.

Warrick can return punts.

Call him.

"I wish they would," Warrick said.

You can replace "Bucs" with any other NFL team and he would be just as enthusiastic. But it has to be an NFL team. When Warrick signed with the Las Vegas Gladiators earlier this year, he just never showed up for work.

You know who I would take? Edell Shepherd. He was cut by the Lions in the preseason and as far as I know, he's still out there. He knows the system and could fit right in as the emergency receiver until Clayton gets back into shape. He's the best fish in a very shallow pool. Ever been lingering around a bar at closing time and desperately scanning the trolls left behind, lowering your standards accordingly? That's what Bruce Allen is doing right now. At least Shepherd still has all his own teeth.