Coleman Welcomes A Whittle Challenge

[Gunzlingr]

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Right guard and protection go together naturally - unless you're talking about the 2002 Buccaneers.
Despite missing only one start in the past two seasons, right guard Cosey Coleman found himself on the endangered list this spring.

The signing of free agents John Wade and Jason Whittle signaled Tampa Bay's off-season focus: Upgrade the competition level along a maligned offensive line that improved significantly during the Super Bowl run.

Wade has replaced Jeff Christy at center, but Whittle fractured his right leg May 2. His return to the practice field Tuesday is a reminder that the right guard spot remains under withering scrutiny.

Coach Jon Gruden and offensive line coach Bill Muir have been pleased with Coleman's attitude and work habits, but the fourth-year pro is taking nothing for granted.

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[Gunzlingr]

Caught off guard

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Even if the conditioning bicycle he pedaled day after day at training camp is stationary, the belief was it eventually would propel Jason Whittle past Cosey Coleman.

"I was on that stupid thing all the time," said Whittle, the Bucs free-agent guard who broke his right fibula during a noncontact drill in minicamp in May. "It just feels so good to be finally back out on the field doing some stuff.

"I think I'll still be able to compete. I don't know what the time frame is. We're kind of shooting for the last two preseason games."

Whittle, 28, returned to practice Tuesday for the first time in about four months. His return marks the most closely watched guard changing this side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Buckingham Palace


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