Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant misses practice, might sit out Sunday's game

TAMPA — WR Antonio Bryant missed practice Thursday and is in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Bryant, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in August and returned to practice about three weeks later, was ineffective late in Sunday's opener against the Cowboys because of discomfort in the knee.

Now the pain hasn't subsided. Swelling also is an issue and likely will continue to be. Coach Raheem Morris declined to describe what Bryant is experiencing as a setback.

"It's not an injury," he said. "He's just hurt right now.

"Obviously, we want Antonio to play for us. If he's not there, the next man has to step up. That's what happens on every team. Everybody is losing starters every week."

Bryant, who did not play in any preseason games, caught two passes for 29 yards against the Cowboys.

More injuries: DL Kyle Moore (groin) and CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder) did not practice. TE John Gilmore (ankle) participated on a limited basis.

CATCHING UP: Morris said he spoke Thursday morning with suspended FS Tanard Jackson, who can't take part in team functions or practices while on his four-game ban for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

"It's tough to see your team go out and try to win football games and you're not there to help them," Morris said. "He cares about his football team. He loves his football team. He's showing it right now (with) how much dedication he's going to show to get back to it and be a part of it."

The Bucs could have used him Sunday, when they allowed four passes of 42 yards or longer.

"I'll give you a mentally tough coaching (answer)," Morris said. "He's not here right now. We have to deal with it. He's affecting us. He's hurting us."

FEEL YOUR PAIN: CB Elbert Mack was a college teammate at Troy of the Bills' Leodis McKelvin, whose fourth-quarter fumble Monday enabled the Patriots to pull out a last-minute victory. McKelvin's lawn was vandalized after the game.

"For me to give up a play (against Dallas) and to see (McKelvin) put the ball on the turf in the fourth quarter, it was a tough week for Troy," Mack said. "It started with Troy at Florida."

The Gators thumped visiting Troy 56-6 Saturday.

As for the obscene message spray-painted on McKelvin's lawn, reportedly by two teens, Mack said: "They probably never dropped off flowers at his house when he took back kickoffs for touchdowns."

Rick Stroud contributed to this report. Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.