One of the few bright spots of the heinous Bucs season recently completed was the play of kick returner Michael Spurlock.

In 2007, he was responsible for the first kick return for a touchdown in Bucs history. When Sammie Stroughter, who was backing up Clifton “Peanut” Smith, went down with an injury, Spurlock was pulled offf the street and immediately shined.

Spurlock’s punt return for a touchdown was a key play in the Bucs overtime win over the Saints.

But Bucs fans should not expect any more plays from Spurlock in a Bucs uniform, if Anwar Richardson is correct. A Bucs beat writer for the Tampa Tribune, Richardson does not see Spurlock back with the Bucs in 2010.

Q:  The re-acquisition of KR Michael Spurlock was a little bonus at the end of the season. Why did we get rid of him in the first place? Will he get another chance to be a premiere special teams plaer?

Paul Scott, Clearwater

A:  Spurlock was released to make way for Dexter Jackson, who was eventually benched in favor of Clifton Smith in 2008. Smith went to the Pro Bowl as a returner, and after being placed on injured reserve last season, Spurlock was signed. The only way Spurlock makes this year’s team is if Smith becomes part of Tampa Bay’s running back rotation or coaches believe he can contribute as a receiver.

— Anwar Richardson

Joe believes this experiment of Smith as a running back should be closed. Chucky didn’t use him much because he had one fault: hanging on to the ball. Raheem the Dream put Smith in for a key late-possession against Washington this past season with the game in doubt, and Smith again hacked up the football.

As sorry as the current crop of Bucs wide receivers is, especially if Antonio Bryant walks, Spurlock should have a decent shot at making the squad.