The Tampa Buccaneers announced today they have signed RB Aaron Stecker to the practice squad. Stecker was signed in order to fill the spot left vacant after RB Autry Denson was claimed off the practice squad by the Miami Dolphins today.
The 23-year-old Stecker (5-10, 205) originally signed as a college free agent with the Chicago Bears on April 18, but was released on August 30 during training camp.
As a two-year letterman at Western Illinois, Stecker finished as Western Illinois all-time leading rusher with 3,081 yards and 36 touchdowns. Stecker finished his senior year
The Bears have won two of their past three games and trail the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers by a half game in the wide open NFC Central.
"Chicago is playing with a lot of confidence right now," Dungy said. "Theyre moving the ball offensively and theyre creating a lot of turnovers on defense. Were going to have to stay away from the turnovers, and were really going to have to really see if we can control their short passing game."
Regarding the division, the Bucs spent their bye week watching division foes Green Bay, Minnesota and Chicago lose yesterday. Only the Lions notched a victory in Week 6.
"Nobody has gone out and played four, five weeks in a row the way they`re capable of playing," Dungy said. "I think the first team that does that is going to get a leg up." BUCCANEERS INJURY UPDATE TE Patrick Hape (concussion), RT Jason Odom (low back strain), DE Steve White (ankle sprain) and CB Floyd Young (hamstring) missed the Packers game due to injury.
Dungy said his biggest concern is with Odom and WR Bert Emanuel (right hamstring strain).
"I have to say right now Bert and Jason are questionable. It remains to be seen how they respond. We`re hopeful to have them back by the weekend."
