Guessing game at kick returner

We asked Jon Gruden earlier this week who might replace Torrie Cox (out for the season with a knee injury) as the primary kick returner.

Receiver Chad Lucas was released earlier this week after not faring well against Jacksonville after Cox's first-quarter injury. So, obviously, he's out. Cornerback Phillip Buchanon is an option, but Gruden sort of squashed that idea saying that few teams would be willing to risk a starting cornerback on kick returns. Same for Ike Hilliard, who is starting at receiver.

We could have kept playing the game, but it seemed Gruden wanted to keep us guessing. Because we'd hate to disappoint him, that's what we'll do.

When asked about speedy running back Michael Bennett, Gruden made the point that Bennett had never returned a kick in an NFL game. But I say, what better time to start? I asked Bennett about the possibility and he seems really intrigued. He was back fielding kickoffs in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and seems to be a legitimate option. He's certainly one of the most explosive players on the roster. Heck, outside of untouchable receiver Joey Galloway -- who is NOT an option -- the injury-depleted Bucs may not have a player as explosive as Bennett.

As for other options, well, I'm scouring the roster as I write this, and I don't see a whole lot of possibilities. Receiver Maurice Stovall is the up man on kickoffs right now, but I don't think he has the speed to be the primary returner. Heck, maybe Michael Spurlock -- who was added to the roster earlier today -- is a heck of a returner and we just don't know it yet.

Anyway, I suspect someone will be lining up to return kicks. How's that for going out on a limb? As for who, well Gruden succeeded because I'm still guessing.

Here's the bottom line: the Bucs had better do a better job on kickoffs, because their starting field position the past two weeks has been a major reason they're on this two-game skid (okay, that and Jeff Garcia's five turnovers, the defense's inability to stop teams late, etc., etc.).

Special teams issues get lost in the shuffle, but they've been a major problem for this team (see my story from Wednesday's paper). Can't wait to see what the latest solution is. 

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