As you probably know, we hear a lot of rumors in our business. Remember the one circulated last year suggesting Cadillac Williams was in a wheelchair and had to be helped onto an airplane somewhere?

It turned out there was nothing to it. Nor is there anything to the rumor that has S Tanard Jackson missing all of next season because of the knee injury he suffered during the Bucs playoff game against the Giants.

Jackson left that game early because of what eventually was diagnosed as a sprained medial collateral ligament. He had surgery shortly thereafter, but it wasn’t real invasive.

Doctors simply cleaned up Jackson’s knee, told him to rest up for a few weeks and sent him on his way. Now Jackson is back working out at pretty close to 100 percent.

In fact, we’re hearing that if the Bucs had to play a game this Sunday, Jackson would be able to start. Now that’s a rumor we believe you can take to the bank.

By the way, recently released Falcons TE Alge Crumpler finally and officially will be granted his freedom today, according to his agent. Then the fun begins.

We’re hearing that at least six teams (and it’s probably more than that) are ready to take a shot at signing him. The Bucs are somewhere in the mix, of course, but don’t look for a quick signing.

As we told you Monday, Crumpler struggled with some knee problems, and every team that wants to talk to him probably will want to examine him thoroughly before offering him a contract.

Still, Crumpler figures to be one of the more highly sought free agents in this year’s marketplace. Stay tuned to TBO.com and the Bucs Report for updates on the Crumpler Watch and news regarding everyone else the Bucs are chasing.