PLAYER NOTES

--RB Clifton Smith became the only player in club history to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the same season. But he has lost a fumble in each of his four NFL games and is still doing ball security drills after practice.

"There's a guy who shattered our return records in Kansas City, broke another couple kicks in Detroit," Gruden said. "Maybe we're on to something. Maybe we're on to something on our own here. Maybe we've got our own explosive guy. We've just got to take better care of the ball, but he's clearly made a difference since he's become the return man."

--RB Warrick Dunn says he is ready for the expanded role in the Bucs offense with the injury to Earnest Graham.

"I've played a lot my whole career. I was playing a lot before Earnest got hurt," Dunn said. "Now I'm just going to have to take the ball a little bit more. I'm sad that he's not here to experience this also but I have to do my part. Cadillac (Williams), Clifton (Smith) - we all have to do our best to help this team get to the next phase, the playoffs."

--TE Alex Smith is hoping to return to action Sunday against the Saints after missing two games with an ankle sprain. "It's never easy to sit and watch a game, but I'm trying my hardest to heal up," Smith said. "Hopefully I have a chance to get out there this week."

--WR Ike Hilliard, whose four TD receptions are the most on the team, has a shoulder injury but is not expected to miss practice time this week.

GAME PLAN: Defensively, the Bucs have to prevent the big play. They were burned on three long passes by Drew Brees in the season-opening loss at New Orleans and that was that. The rest of the game, they outplayed the Saints offense, but the scoreboard is all that matters.

Stopping Brees means applying pressure, but he is the third-hardest QB to sack in the NFL. All the same, the Bucs have had success getting in Brees' face in the past.

Shutting down the run is always job No. 1, and Deuce McAllister has had some big games against the Bucs. If the Saints get Reggie Bush back, watch out. That puts a lot of pressure on the perimeter of the defense.

Offensively, the Bucs are limited at the running back position and have to lean heavily on the 33-year-old legs of Warrick Dunn. Cadillac Williams returned to action last week, but he's a long way from contributing. And rookie Clifton Smith has put the ball on the ground in each of his four NFL games.

Bucs coach Gruden said the Saints' defense is better than advertised.

"It's a real credit to them," Gruden said. "I think Jon Vilma's really come in and given them inspiring, every-down play. Gary Gibbs and Joe Vitt, their defensive coaches, have tweaked their scheme. They have a multiple attack. They're capable of blitzing from all over the place, corner blitzes the other night against the Packers. They're pretty good, I tell you what. They're pretty good. Sedrick Ellis, a top-10 pick, coming into his own. We all know Will Smith. They're pretty talented. Randall Gay was a big free agent acquisition. We'll have our hands full, that's for sure."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Saints WR Devery Henderson vs. Bucs CB Ronde Barber -- Henderson burned Barber for a long TD in their first meeting, kicking off what has been a sub-par season for the four-time Pro Bowler. But Barber is coming off a two interception performance at Detroit, including one he returned 65 yards for a score.

Bucs RB Warrick Dunn vs. Saints LB Jonathan Vilma: Dunn is playing without a safety net after RB Earnest Graham was placed on IR with a high ankle sprain. Dunn responded at Detroit last week with 90 yards rushing and says, at 33, he can handle the bulk of the rushing load.

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant vs. Saints CB Jason David: Bryant is the go-to WR for the Bucs and can make some runs after the catch. He's become QB Jeff Garcia's favorite target. David is coming off a rare, two interception game Monday night against the Packers' Aaron Rodgers.

INJURY IMPACT:

--S Jermaine Phillips, who has missed four games with a broken left forearm, participated in practice again Thursday and is expected to play against the Saints on Sunday.

--TE Alex Smith, who has missed two games with a sprained ankle, was limited in practice Thursday but has a chance to play Sunday against the Saints.

--QB Brian Griese has tendonitis in his right throwing elbow and was limited in practice Thursday. He's expected to be inactive against the Saints Sunday.

--WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder) participated fully in practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday against the Saints.