Aug. 24, 2008

Bucs DE Greg White

 After a failed preseason experiment on the D-line, word is the Bucs will move Greg White from left end back to his natural position on the right, as a backup. Tampa envisioned White on the left, disrupting quarterbacks’ rhythm with his pass rush and complementing Gaines Adams’ talents at right end. The defensive coaching staff didn’t see the results they hoped for, and it appears veteran Kevin Carter will return to his starting role at left end. This isn’t a good development for White, who has been clamoring to cash in on a long-term contract since his breakout year last season, when he led the Bucs in sacks (eight) and forced seven fumbles.

 The Falcons are easing ORT Todd Weiner along in the hopes he’ll be prepared to anchor down the right side of the O-line by Week One, but we hear the team isn’t counting on him being absolutely healthy this season. Weiner is recovering from major knee surgery, and it’s not yet clear how he’ll hold up. If he’s able to play, he helps Atlanta’s young, inexperienced line immensely. Tyson Clabo has been running with the first-team offense during Weiner’s absence, but he’s not very agile off the edge and could have trouble fending off a pass rush.

 Panthers WR Jason Carter, once an afterthought when it came to making the team, has a good shot to remain on the roster because of a strong training camp, Steve Smith’s suspension and a banged-up receiving corps. Carter entered camp as the No. 6 receiver, but he impressed head coach John Fox and he could continue to see a good chunk of playing time if D.J. Hackett, Ryne Robinson, Dwayne Jarrett and Muhsin Muhammad, who have all missed time recently, continue to be nagged by injuries.

 Injuries to Saints DTs Brian Young (knee) and Hollis Thomas (shoulder) have opened the door for Orien Harris, and he’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, the way we hear it. New Orleans considered its DT corps deep when camp began, and Harris appeared to be on the outside looking in. That has changed, and his strong showing in the preseason games will make it hard for the Saints to move on without him when it’s time to trim the roster.