October 20, 2008 Head coach Jon Gruden is not happy with his return game, and it may be time to bench rookie Dexter Jackson. "Our return game, the fumble to start the third quarter, that can't happen," Gruden tells the Pewter Report. "We aren't making enough yardage in the return game. I have to take a look at that. I know [special teams coordinator] Rich [Bisaccia] puts a lot of time in. We'll be supportive and remain confident but we need to get more done there." Jackson ranks 17th in kick return average (23.4) but has managed only 4.9 yards per punt return.
Our View:The Bucs have a number of other options, including a possible promotion of Michael Spurlock from the practice squad. They drafted Jackson in the second round to specifically be an asset in the return game, so it's safe to say the early part of Dexter's career has been a big disappointment. Maybe the step back will help him.
September 16, 2008 With the injury to receiver Joey Galloway, Buccaneers rookie wideout Dexter Jackson may see more time at receiver this week, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View:Jackson has yet to catch a pass in the NFL, and he should not be considered a player to rely on for fantasy owners right now.
August 28, 2008 Dexter Jackson continues to struggle to bring anything to the offense but yet again on Thursday he returned a punt with spectacular results as he went 83-yards for a score.
Our View:Jackson also gained 13 yards on a reverse, and while the second round pick has a bright future on offense, his contributions this season might be limited to special teams work.
August 26, 2008 Rookie Dexter Jackson did not impress the coaches enough to win a solid role in the receiving corps, but he is going to be given the job as the primary return man on special teams, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View:Jackson accelerates quickly and is elusive in the open field, so he will have a chance to excel as a return man before he works his way up the depth chart as a receiver.
August 24, 2008 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted wide receiver Dexter Jackson in the second round of the draft, but the rookie is not even close to coming on the field, according to ESPN.com.
Our View:Jackson is currently sixth on the depth chart, and has not excelled as a return man either. There is already talk that had he not been drafted so high, he would not have made the team.
