This news certainly won't instill much confidence in the Bucs' run defense:

DTs Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan appear to be in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game at Atlanta based on their absences from today's practice.

The Bucs just got their workout underway and neither was in attendance, which likely means they are holed up in the building being treated for their respective knee injuries.

Hovan continues to downplay his injury, saying he expects to play. But Haye hasn't been heard from nor seen lately. His backup, Ryan Sims, indicated to reporters today that he expects to start a second straight game against the Falcons. Hovan was injured in the fourth quarter against Carolina and did not return.

To say the least, the running game is a point of emphasis this week with Atlanta's Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood forming a formidable 1-2 punch. In fact, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's first order of business this afternoon was to address run fits with his starting defensive front. For the record, Sims and Jimmy Wilkerson were lined up with the starting unit during that portion.