Bucs Jurevicius returns to practice

Joe Jurevicius practiced for the first time this season Wednesday and expects to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears after being sidelined most of the past year by knee and back injuries.

"I'm going to treat it as if it's my first game ever in the NFL," Jurevicius said. "I am going enjoy the fans. I am going to enjoy the grass. I am going to enjoy putting my helmet on, having the opportunity to catch a football and hit somebody."

One of the keys to the Tampa' Super Bowl run two years ago, Jurevicius was poised to have a breakout season in 2003 when he tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the second game.

He played sparingly in three other games before being placed on injured reserve on Dec. 2 and undergoing surgery. He was optimistic about being healthy for the start of training camp, but hurt his back in June and wound up having surgery the first week of August and going on the reserve non-football injury list.

"I thought he looked good," coach Jon Gruden said after watching Jurevicius practice. "I expect him to go out and play."

"He impacted our offense a couple of years ago and was off to a great start (in 2003). If he's right physically, there's no telling how he can impact the game," coach Jon Gruden said.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Jurevicius is a good ball control receiver that can make some big plays near the end zone. Keep an eye on this free-agent!