Injury to Bucs TE Smith not serious

Oct 15, 2007 - 3:34 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping that for once, they have avoided a serious injury.

The Buccaneers announced Monday that tight end Alex Smith has a sprained ankle, revealing that X-rays came back negative.

Already missing several key players from their offense, the Bucs saw Smith carted off the field after suffering a gruesome looking injury to his ankle during Sunday's 13-10 win over the Tennessee Titans.

But coach Jon Gruden offered some positive news less than 24 hours later, claiming that Smith's injury is much less severe than the one suffered last week by running back Michael, who will be sidelined up to six weeks.

"We don't believe it's as serious as Mike Pittman's," Gruden said. "(Smith) has a chance to play this weekend."

Gruden said Smith would be listed as questionable looking ahead to next Sunday's road game against the Detroit Lions. The same goes for linebacker Patrick Chukwurah, who injured his shoulder against Tennessee.

Tampa Bay (4-2) already is without Pittman, running back Carnell Williams and quarterback Chris Simms. With so many players sidelined, Gruden said the team was looking at the trade market.

"We are certainly investigation the possibility of a trade," he said. "But it takes two to tango. The trade deadline is approaching, so we should know something soon."