No helmet and pads for Pro Bowl corner Alterraun Verner for the fifth consecutive practice

Bucs All-Pro cornerback Alterraun Verner has been on floppy-hat-and-sneakers patrol for five consecutive practice, nursing a hamstring that Lovie Smith says is improving.

But this is getting a little scary, even Lovie acknowledged this evening that Verner’s absence is nothing to shrug off.

“It’s not an ideal situation when you come in new,” Lovie said. “You know, we want [Verner] out there every snap, especially a day like today. Those are the times when a defense really, you know, becomes one, when you down on goal line with your backs up against the wall like that. We brought Alterraun in here to do what he’s been doing for a long time. The reason why we signed him to a contract.

Lovie was referring to today’s full-contact, intense goal line session.

Verner has started running, Lovie said, but there’s no timetable for his return. “We’ll be very cautious with him. We have to get a special player on the football field.”

Joe talked to Verner, who said he’s trying to make the most out of his time on the practice field. “I’m not just watching a movie out there,” Verner said. “I’m getting the mental reps and talking to my coaches.”

Verner said he never missed a training camp practice with the Titans and this is really the first significant injury of his career. He didn’t miss a game in four season in Tennessee. For those who missed it, here’s some background on Verner’s need to adjust to the Bucs defense and techniques that are brand new to him.