Points of Interest:Another soldier down, Ward talks smack & Sammie fielding kicks

Phillips lands on the IR
Jermaine Phillips, one of the Bucs vocal leaders, the teams hardest hitter arguably the best player on the defensive side of the ball, has been placed on the IR and will miss the remainder of the season due to a broken thumb.

This is a huge blow for the Bucs defense. With the sudden release of Derrick Brooks this off season, Phillips was slated to move to the linebacker spot vacated by Brooks. That plan was quickly reversed so Phillips could move back to his safety spot to help fill the void that Tanard Jackson left after he was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.

The first notion of Phillips having a broken thumb lead many to believe he would be back after a few weeks, but it turns out the injury was much more serious than originally thought.

“That injury is more severe than we originally thought,” head coach Raheem Morris said. “He has a significant fracture that’s going to require a complex surgery to his thumb. That’s, for me, tough. For him, that’s tough. He’s getting the surgery today. He called me today and told me whatever I needed him to do for the team, in whatever fashion, he’s more than willing. He’ll be missed.”

This is just another dismal headline in what appears to be a very long season unfolding infront of the Bucs this season.

Ward talkin’ the talk

Newly acquired running back Derrick Ward has had fun this week trading smack talk with his former teammates.

Ward, who broke into the spotlight rushing for 1,000+ yards last season with the New York Giants, has   certainly had this week three matchup circled on his calendar for a while.

“Derrick Ward has been calling me, calling guys around here talking a little trash,” Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said. “So I would love to be able to out there and shut him up a little bit. He’s been very consistent with his message. He’s going to run all over us.”

Ward better hope he can put his money where his mouth is. Cadillac Williams is a little sore this week, and the Giants run defense has been suspect in the first two games of the season. Ward could potentially see a large share of the teams carries, and if the Bucs plan on capitalizing on the Giants defensive weakness, the ground game needs to be firing on all cylindars.

My prediction? Ward carries the rock 18-20 times for 110-120 yards and a touchdown.

Stroughter fielding kicks

Pro Bowl return man Clifton Smith has been limited in practice this week due to a sore quadriceps.

What does that mean for surprising rookie Sammie Strougther? It means he may see some time returning kicks this week.

Stroughter has seen an increase in reps with the special teams practice units, and could be the return man for the Bucs this Sunday.