Bucs guard Arron Sears was spotted in Tampa a few weeks ago and that has fueled speculation that he is close to returning to the Bucs.

But the reality is different. Sears is splitting his time between Tampa and his Russellville, Ala., home.

He still is battling undisclosed 'personal issues,' and currently on the Reserve/Did Not Report list.

The Bucs would not be surprised if Sears attempted to play sometime this season, even though they have no indications of that.

If Sears, a second-round pick in 2007, arrrived at One Buc Place tomorrow, what would happen next?

He would have to submit a letter to the NFL office outlining his intention to report. The Bucs would then have a two-week roster exemption for Sears, during which they would attempt to have him psychologically evaluated.

That would leave the team with two options: the Bucs could activate him to the 53-man roster. Or if they believe he is not ready to play, the team could place him on the non-football related/illness list. Under that designation, Sears would not be paid.

One thing is certain: the Bucs do not believe Sears' problems stem from a concussion. Indications are that his issues are more psychological than physical, but he has not been willing to be evaluated or stick to treatment.

Sears showed no signs that there were problems on the horizon last season, other than weight loss toward the end of the season and a decline in performance.

He began the off-season program in Tampa and attended the first few days of Organized Team Activities. But at some point, Sears became non-verbal and was responding to questions by writing his answers on a piece of paper.

The Bucs have monitored Sears' progress, but there hasn't been a significant change in his condition.