Bucs Coach Jon Gruden said RB Warrick Dunn, OL Arron Sears and S Jermaine Phillips did not practice on Thursday.

Dunn sustained a back injury against Dallas last week and it’s starting to look questionable if he will play this week against Kansas City.

“I am one of these coaches who believes you got to practice to play,” Gruden said. “I don’t want to discount how important I think practice is, but we think he is going to be OK. We’ll let you know tomorrow. We got a number of guys who have been idle and it reflects the way you play. It’s a tough business, especially when you don’t practice. We think he’s going to be OK, but we’ll let you know tomorrow.”

Gruden did say he expected RB Michael Bennett to play if Dunn can not go. Considering Tampa Bay is playing Kansas City, which is 1-6, and the Bucs have a bye next week, there is a strong possibility Gruden might rest Dunn for important games down the stretch.

Meanwhile, Sears sustained a concussion yesterday, but Gruden is optimistic he will play on Sunday.

In addition, Bucs RB Cadillac Williams participated in practice and Gruden liked what he saw.

“We had a 12 play simulation of the Chiefs,” Gruden said. “We did the best we could and Carnell took about 10 or 11 straight plays. It’s exciting to see him out there, but not only see him out there, but the progress. He really looked good today. Next week during the bye week, we’ll put the pads on and try to make it a little more tough, but step two went well today.”