Milla's Buc Report: The Search for a Safety

Head coach Raheem Morris announced that rookie running back LeGarrette Blount has earned the short yardage and goal line duties from now on during his weekly radio show on WDAE-AM 620.

Blount impressed in his NFL debut, rushing for 27 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

He'll now see a bigger role in the offense as he learns more of the playbook. The role of Kareem Huggins is unknown; he is expected to return from his groin injury in Week 5.

Rookie seventh round pick Erik Lorig was cut after Week 1 to make room for Aqib Talib following his one game suspension. He was then signed to the practice squad, where he worked on changing positions from defensive end to tight end.

Tuesday, Lorig was re-signed to the 53 man roster to take the place of suspended safety Tanard Jackson. He'll serve as the fourth string tight end behind Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens, and John Gilmore.

He'll also provide depth at defensive end in emergency situations; however, it's unlikely he will be active, and he could be sent back down to the practice squad as the Bucs take a look at new players.

Stephen F. Holder of the St. Petersburg Times suggests that the Bucs could look into signing veteran free agent safety Ken Hamlin. Hamlin has spent time in the league with the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Ravens and has 14 career interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2007.

Hamlin was released by the Ravens on September 22nd and could push rookie Cody Grimm.

O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, a local Tampa bar, avoided the NFL's black out policy during Sunday's Buccaneers—Steelers matchup and aired the game on TV by using a live Internet feed. The NFL is now investigating the situation and O'Brien's could be facing legal trouble.

Any blacked out game cannot be aired on television within 75 miles of the designated market. The Bucs have blacked out every home game this season.

Safety Tanard Jackson has been suspended for the second time for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, this time for the remainder of the season.

According to NFL.com's Steve Wyche, Jackson will enter a rehab center to help stay on the right track.

It is not known which substance Jackson has tested positive for, but the Bucs have said they will stand behind Jackson, who is coming off a five interception season in 2009.

The Bucs are likely to give more reps to rookie wide receiver Arrelious Benn following the team's Week 4 bye week. After failing to make a catch in his first two games, Benn caught three passes for 33 yards in the loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday.

With Sammie Stroughter struggling playing outside of the slot position he excelled in as a rookie, the Bucs may be looking to insert Benn into the starting lineup across fellow rookie Mike Williams, with Stroughter returning to the slot.

Return specialist Michael Spurlock has also seen some time at wide receiver this season, and veteran Maurice Stovall has been unable to get into the game since losing his starting job after a preseason injury.

By Milla4Prez66: Jabberhead & SJ Contributing Author

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