Had a chance to talk with Running Back Zack Crockett, who winged his way from the west coast to join the Bucs.  To be honest, had this signing happened five-ten years ago, I'd be two thumbs up on this move.  Right now, I'm not sure.

Crockett is a personable guy.  A big running back who can play fullback and tailback.  At this juncture, versatility is a necessity in the Bucs backfield.  You could sense that Crockett is chomping at the bit to get back in action after his release from Oakland in early September.

He knows Gruden, likes Gruden, and understands the west coast offense.  That why Crockett is here.  How long Crockett will be here is anyone's guess.  He is insurance for Earnest Graham.  Ken Darby is a filler on the roster and hopefully a contributor on special teams.  Graham will not be on special teams this week.  My guess is, Crockett will be the one giving Graham a blow when needed. 

I think Crockett is a short term solution to a big problem.  That's unless the former Raider blows the staff away out of the gate.  You know the Bucs are working the phones right now hoping to make a deal before Tuesday's trade deadline.  Won't be easy, but then again, it's not impossible.  Expect the Bucs to see what happens Sunday vs. Tennessee.  If they don't like what they see, the ante will go up. 

We were right the RB would come from Oakland ( see Bucs Monday's Bulletin-Pittman update).  I only hoped it would have been one of the backs presently on the Raiders roster.

Also talked today to Michael Pittman.  He was cruising around the facility in a cart, taking a load off his right ankle and foot which was in a cast.  That cast is coming off in eight days, and then rehab begins.  Michael told me he is shooting for a return the week after the bye week (11/11).  That might be a little ambitious, but we'll see. 

Interesting comment today from Quarterback Jeff Garcia. He said Sunday's game is "on his shoulders" offensively.  That tells me he's not expecting much from the running game Sunday.  Fortuantely this game is home, and against Tennessee.

Tom Korun