Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford has medical procedure

TAMPA — Less than two weeks before the Bucs open the season, coach Lovie Smith said Monday that offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford had "a medical procedure" Monday morning, was resting comfortably and will be "out for a short period of time," with no timetable for his return.

"We'll keep Jeff in our prayers," Smith said. "Things should be okay."

Tedford, 52, was out of football last season after serving as head coach at Cal from 2002-12. Smith gave no details on the nature of the procedure or whether the team expected him to return by Thursday's preseason finale against the Redskins, or the regular-season opener, Sept. 8 at home against Carolina.

Smith said the offensive staff would work together to coordinate the offense and call plays in Tedford's absence, if necessary.

Apology: LB Jonathan Casillas, who did not travel with the team to Saturday's preseason game at Buffalo because of an unspecified violation of team rules, apologized Monday, saying it's in the past for him.

"It's not something I'm happy with, but a mistake was made, the punishment was dealt and I had to deal with it," said Casillas, back practicing as normal. "It's tough because I don't want to miss a game or be a person labeled as somebody who violates any rules. I've never had a history of that or anything, but a mistake was made."

Casillas declined to elaborate on what he did to merit the suspension. He said the transgression took place at One Buc Place, and involved "basically" not being where he needed to be at the right time.

"A bit of miscommunication on my behalf. It was my mistake," he said. "I'm not perfect. I try to do things the right way here."

Injury updates: Injuries in the secondary forced the Bucs to practice with five healthy cornerbacks and four healthy safeties.

CB Mike Jenkins (hamstring) remained sidelined, along with S Major Wright, S Bradley McDougald, and CBs Danny Gorrer and Rashaan Melvin. DL Da'Quan Bowers, OT Matt Patchan (Armwood) and LB Brandon Magee were also out. Magee and Melvin are no longer wearing walking boots as they recover from foot injuries.

Smith said he wasn't ready to rule out any of the injured players for Thursday's final preseason game. "Everybody's in play right now," Smith said.

RB Mike James (shoulder) and FB Jorvorskie Lane (hand) did participate in the 30 minutes of practice open to reporters.

Transaction: The Bucs released LB Damaso Munoz, who was signed from the CFL this spring. That leaves Ka'Lial Glaud, Nate Askew and Magee likely battling for the sixth linebacker spot on the roster.

The team was at 77 players Monday night and must get to 75 by this afternoon.