--The Bucs signed FB Carl Stewart to replace CB Torrie Cox on the roster. Cox was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL.

--QB Jeff Garcia will not play against the Dolphins in the preseason opener and could miss another week with a calf strain.

--DT Jovan Haye has a groin pull and will not play against the Dolphins. The injury is not considered serious.

--WR Antonio Bryant has been impressive early in camp, but is sidelined with some swelling in his left knee.

--C Jeff Faine needed to take two days off last week due to a back strain.

--FB B.J. Askew has been limited with a foot strain. Askew played most of last season with a sprained ankle.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Rookie Jeremy Zuttah vs. Dan Buenning at backup center. Jeff Faine is the starter, but the Bucs need a lineman who can play either guard spot or center. Enter Zuttah, who is picking up coach Jon Gruden's offense with astounding speed. He is being pushed by Buenning, who was slow to recover from a knee injury he suffered in 2006. The advantage goes to Zuttah.

OTHER BATTLEFRONTS: In addition to Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall fighting for the No. 2 receiver spot, there is some competition all they through the depth chart at that position.

The list of candidates should also include Michael Spurlock. After becoming the first player in Tampa Bay to return a kickoff for a touchdown last season, Spurlock is a sentimental fan favorite who should never pay for a meal as long as he's with the Bucs.

But he's more than a one-hit wonder. This season, Spurlock is trying to make his mark as a receiver. A tremendous athlete, he could give the Bucs some flexibility on game day.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: This is the perfect offense for QB Brian Griese. At 33, he doesn't seem to have forgotten much of the Bucs' terminology despite spending the past two seasons with the Bears. Griese's 69.3 completion percentage in 2004 is the best in club history. His anticipation and accuracy has been on display.

"I think Griese can really take off in this system," Gruden said. "He has a knack for making plays here."

If the Bucs need a replacement for starter Jeff Garcia in the short-term, it might be Griese. For the long-term, they could turn to Luke McCown.

ROOKIE REPORT:

--C/G Jeremy Zuttah, a third-round pick from Rutgers, is impressing coaches with his poise and preparation. He has practiced at both center and guard and has done well calling protections. The guy is smart and physical, two great traits for an offensive lineman. In fact, if the Bucs lost a starting tackle, it would not be surprising to see them start Zuttah inside and move either Arron Sears or Davin Joseph to tackle to get the best five linemen on the field. Not likely to happen, but he's that impressive.

--WR/KR Dexter Jackson has had a disappointing start to training camp. He has been limited with a sore hamstring and has not had many reps at receiver.

--CB Aqib Talib has some growing up to do, but he can't be much bigger physically. Talib is a beast who can tackle and cover. He rarely is out of position and has terrific change of direction. "Aqib is doing really well, a lot of life and energy in his legs," Gruden said. "He's a playmaker."

This is the deepest Bucs secondary in terms of athleticism.

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