"Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant has bounced back from something much worse than the knee injury that forced him to miss the preseason.

"Coming off the couch last year, that was a big bounce back,'' said Bryant, referring to his return from exile a year ago.

And what a return it was. After missing all of the 2007 season, Bryant bounced back to lead the Bucs with 83 catches, 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Bucs, who placed their franchise tag on Bryant during the offseason, are hoping for a similar performance this year. After arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, Bryant is confident he'll be able to do his part.

Though he is not sure what feeling 100 percent is like, he will be ready for the Bucs' season opener against Dallas on Sunday."