Bucs put return specialist Smith on injured reserve Clifton Smith's 2009 season ended Tuesday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed their Pro Bowl kick returner on injured reserve in the aftermath of his second concussion within a seven-week span. Smith suffered his first concussion in Tampa Oct. 18 against Carolina when he was drilled by cornerback Dante Wesley during a punt return, a hit that prompted Wesley's ejection and a one-game NFL suspension. Smith didn't play against New England the following week and he was hurt again Sunday at Carolina when he was knocked woozy six seconds into the game as a member of the kick coverage unit. After Tampa Bay's 16-6 setback, Smith said he felt better as the game progressed, but head coach Raheem Morris indicated Monday that the club would take a cautious approach with Smith, especially in light of the league's new emphasis on player safety regarding concussions. Smith was second in the NFL this season with an average kickoff return of 29.1 yards and he ranked 10th in punt returns, averaging 10.1 yards. He also earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for Week 9 after his 83-yard kickoff return sparked the Bucs to their only win of the year, a comeback 38-28 triumph against the Packers. Smith's spot on the 53-man active roster was taken by running back Kareem Huggins, who was promoted from the practice squad. Huggins was signed by Tampa Bay on Sept. 6 after a standout career at Hofstra, Morris' alma mater. Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune/The St.Petersburg Times 9 December 2009