Antonio Bryant spent the NFL season last year on his couch. But he will begin the regular season Sunday in New Orleans in the Bucs' starting lineup opposite Joey Galloway.

Bryant, 27, has been a playmaker in the past. He compiled 1,009 receiving yards in 2005 but had some well-documented run-ins with Bill Parcells in Dallas and Mike Nolan in San Francisco. He was suspended for two games at the end of the 2006 season and two at the beginning of 2007, stemming from DUI charges and resisting arrest.

Bryant had been nursing a swollen knee and did not play in the final two preseason games. But he brings an element of more speed and play-making ability.

"He's going to be out there with Joey,' receiver Ike Hilliard said. "That's the decision coach (Jon) Gruden made. He's obviously a guy we're looking forward to taking our offense to another level.''

Bucs coach Jon Gruden said he is sold on Bryant's ability to make yards after the catch. Bryant likely won the job after his performance against the New England Partiots. He had an end around for 16 yards, a reception on a slant pass to set up a touchdown and a 33-yard run and catch.

"We haven't had that, the guy's ability to make plays and run after the catch,'' Gruden said. "The way he runs routes. We're going to try to get him back in the groove here and certainly try to get him and Joey on the field. Nothing wrong with that, if the guy is healthy. Then at the same time, we do have other guys who are going to be key contributors and it's a long season.''