Mike

Alstott

Alstott has six carries and four receptions for 34 total yards through two weeks. TD vultures aren’t attractive fantasy options on teams, like the Bucs, that aren’t scoring TDs.

He’s day-to-day.

Joey Galloway and Charles Lee are active and will play.

The Bucs have a bye, so they may be able to get backup fullback Greg Comella healthy for their next game. Alstott had 234 total yards and a score on the season before the injury.

Tampa remembers the P.R. beating they took last year when they released Alstott, and may be interested in keeping him. If he slices $1 million of his $2 million deal, he should be able to stay.

The deal will pay in $1.5 million in 2005. The deal, which voids into a one-year deal after this season, intends to allow Alstott retire a Buc in 2006. His fantasy potential is largely gone.

Bucs fans will howl, but Alstott is due a lot of money for a fullback in decline. Tampa wants to use a two running back set more often, probably Michael Pittman and whoever they draft in the first round.

“I think he’s inflicted as many blows upon himself as a man can,” Gruden said of Alstott. “He’s hitting himself in the head with a garbage can, running into cars. He’s going to be just fine.” Coming off an injury, fantasy owners may forget how valuable Alstott can be. We like him a lot as an RB4 to grab 7 scores and be a solid fantasy reserve.

Alstott should regain his status as TD vulture, making him worth a late round pick. Keep him in mind when you are thinking about Charlie Garner early in the draft.

It was great to see Alstott healthy and taking hits. But the Bucs now want to see him return to Pro Bowl form.