Tampa Bay Buccaneers stress physical play

TAMPA — As the Bucs prepare to make their final roster decisions today, coach Raheem Morris said he is willing to take an unconventional approach because of the his young players' potential.

"That's what I've been trying to sell myself," Morris said. "Keep the 53 most physical football players. You sell that to yourself. You can't let numbers (at each position) completely get out of whack because you get into trouble and start to run out of players. Then you get into those injury issues and have to bring people in quickly and train them."

That's why the Bucs are not ruling out keeping an extra safety (Corey Lynch) or an extra receiver or two (such as Preston Parker and Micheal Spurlock). Taking chances on such players has brought results in recent seasons, with former long shots such as Elbert Mack and Clifton Smith going on to become consistent contributors.

Just don't put too much faith in potential, Morris said.

"I don't want to use those 'P' words — potential, possible — too much," he said. "That's when you run into trouble."

CRUNCH TIME: Today will be a long one for prospects on the bubble, including Parker, the undrafted receiver trying to revive his career after unceremoniously leaving FSU in 2009.

Parker caught two passes for 45 yards against the Texans in Thursday's preseason finale, including a 29-yarder. He is a long shot at receiver but has been a big contributor on special teams. He had two kick returns Thursday for 46 yards, a 23-yard average.

"Whatever opportunity they give you, you have to take advantage of it," he said. "I've played special teams all my life. So, if they tell me to get out there, I do it. I just got out there and showed them I can help the team win."

There will be tense moments today, admitted Parker, who finished his college career at Division II North Alabama after leaving FSU following multiple arrests during his time there. "Praying and waiting," he said. "That's all you can do. If you get released, you just keep pushing."