Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway is optimistic he might be active this week against Dallas after missing the last five games due to a foot injury.

“Hopefully. It’s coach’s call,” Galloway said. “I feel better than I did last week. I’m hoping to have a chance to play.”

Even though Galloway played four seasons at Dallas, he is not motivated solely by the opportunity to face his former team.

“I think the importance of the game itself is the motivation,” Galloway said. “We have some goals and we feel like we’ve played pretty good up until now and this is just another step. There are a couple of things we’re working on. Like I said, hopefully this is the week I get a chance to play. We’ll evaluate today and coach will make a decision either tomorrow or Saturday.”

One thing Galloway will have to show Tampa Bay’s coaches is his ability to make cuts because of the foot injury. If Galloway is activated, he expects to slowly be integrated back into Tampa Bay’s offense.

Bucs Coach Jon Gruden said he intends to allow Antonio Bryant to play split end, Galloway’s position prior to this injury, but the receiver is not worried about a possible decrease in reps.

“I hope that’s the case,” Galloway said. “I have a role in the offense, and that role is to be able to play any position, as all the receivers do. Wherever coach chooses to use me, or use him, that’s his call, but when I am on the field, I will do whatever I can to help Antonio or any other guy out there.”

Meanwhile, RB Warrick Dunn said the pinched nerve in his back was feeling much better and he was in far less pain than on Monday. Dunn said he felt fine and gave no indication he could not play against Dallas this Sunday.