NFL: Fewer walking wounded in Tampa

For the first time since the opening game at Philadelphia, the Bucs' injury report was lighter than the local yellow pages heading into Monday night's showdown with the New York Giants. Only four names appeared on the sheet, with three listed as probable.

Middle linebacker Nate Webster (toe) is the only player listed as questionable. Wide receiver Keenan McCardell (hamstring), strongside linebacker linebacker Ryan Nece (ankle) and safety Jermaine Phillips (forearm) all are probable.

"Ryan Nece and Jermaine Phillips returned to practice," Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said. "Both guys look like they're going to be ready to play in the game Monday, which is very good for us."

Gruden said Phillips' likely return will not change Tampa Bay's defensive strategy against the Giants. He said Dwight Smith will stay at his safety position instead of moving to cornerback, John Lynch will stay be the other safety and Ronde Barber and the combination of Tim Wansley and Corey Ivy will be the corners.

Phillips will be used, "creatively in some situations."

New York's injury report was not nearly as bright, with cornerback Ralph Brown (shoulder), defensive end Kenny Holmes (knee) and safety Shaun Williams (knee) all out. Wide receiver Tim Carter (concussion) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee/foot) are doubtful, safety Johnnie Harris (hamstring) and wide receiver Ike Hilliard (knee/ ankle) are questionable and cornerback Frank Walker (concussion) is probable.

NOT SO SUPER MEMORIES: The last time the New York Giants played in Raymond James Stadium was on football's grandest stage -- the Super Bowl. The Giants probably would rather forget that day as they were routed by the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV, 34-7, on Jan. 28, 2001.

In an ironic twist, the quarterback for Baltimore was Trent Dilfer, the same Trent Dilfer who gift-wrapped New York's 17-13 victory over the Bucs in the 1999 season opener.

That was the last time the two teams played each other at Raymond James.

FAMILIAR FACES: Three regular starters for Tampa Bay once wore the red, white and blue Giants uniforms -- wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, right guard Jason Whittle and left tackle Roman Oben. Jurevicius played for New York from 1998-2001, Whittle from 1998-2002 and Oben from 1996-99. ... Bucs rookie quarterback Chris Simms is the son of former Giants quarterback Phil Simms. ... Gruden coached Giants safety Johnnie Harris in Oakland with the Raiders from 1999-2001).