The daily grind: Bucs news and notes

Bucs have Favre's number

The Bucs suddenly could accommodate Brett Favre in at least one respect. His No. 4 jersey became available Saturday when cornerback Elbert Mack, a rookie free agent from Troy, was given No. 43, which was made available when cornerback Jonathan Hefney was released.

Mack didn't immediately see the significance — or irony — of his switch making No. 4 available. The move was significant to him for a far different reason.

"You can't play defense wearing No. 4," he said. "Everybody talked about Favre, but we're not worried about it. I'm just happy to be in a legitimate number." Jumping the gun

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon, left, shrugged it off, which was lucky for receiver Antonio Bryant. When Buchanon picked off a Luke McCown pass deflected by Micheal Spurlock, Bryant swooped in and decked Buchanon.

Thing is, the Bucs weren't wearing pads in Saturday morning's practice and probably won't don them until Monday. The move prompted some friendly protests by Buchanon's defensive teammates, who gave Bryant an earful.

No sweat, Buchanon said.

"It's the first day," he said. "I guess (Bryant) was a little anxious." Taking it in

The Bucs spent the latter half of afternoon practice in their new indoor tent facility for the first time.

And what a tent it is. At 17,000 square feet (132 by 132), the tent is a far better option than the indoor gym or hotel ballrooms the Bucs have used in the past to escape the unforgiving Central Florida heat. The rubberized floor likely is easier on the legs, too. As a final bonus, the tent is at least 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.

"You really try to get a lot of reps for players without taxing them as much physically by keeping them outdoors," coach Jon Gruden said. "Some days, we'll use the indoor facility exclusively."

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

Quote of the day

"You can talk to Brett yourself. If we have permission, I'm sure you do, too."

— Jon Gruden, deflecting questions about Brett Favre from Tampa Bay media.