Garcia expected to start Sunday; Griese unable to throw a ball

JE · Oct 8, 2008

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txbuccaneersqbsituation&prov=st&type=lgns



TAMPA, FLORIDA (TICKER) —Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia may have his starting job back by default.

Garcia took the majority of snaps in practice on Wednesday and will likely start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers if Brian Griese is not ready.

Garcia, who led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title last season, was demoted to third string after suffering an ankle injury in the season-opening loss to New Orleans.

However, he was forced into action last Sunday when Griese left in the third quarter with a bruised elbow and a right shoulder strain. The 38-year-old Garcia completed 13-of-17 passes for 93 yards and a TD in the 16-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Gruden would not say who would be the starter during Wednesday’s media session, but all indications pointed to Garcia.

Griese, who did not practice Wednesday, could not grip the ball without pain after being hit on the elbow by Denver cornerback Champ Bailey’s helmet. An MRI showed no structural damage, but Griese said there is swelling and soreness.

“It looks like Brian is still coming back from his arm injury,” Gruden said. “All I can say is, we’ll keep you up to speed there. Obviously, throwing the ball is important.

“Jeff took the majority of the reps today. Luke McCown will be ready as well. That’s the best I can put it right now.”

Gruden was pleased with Garcia’s performance in practice.

“I think he did well today,” he said. “We had a modified practice today, obviously. We have a number of players that weren’t able to participate; others were limited. But I thought he did a good job and I was really encouraged by seeing him back.”

Garcia said he will be ready regardless of Griese’s health.

“I just know that today I’m going to get some reps and I have to be preparing as if I’m going to be the starter,” he said. “I don’t know any other way to prepare, so that’s really what it comes down to.”

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I can handle it. The fact that we've won games with both these guys at QB in the past two season just means they'll push each other.

Vintage · Oct 9, 2008

Garcia is better anyway.

JE · Oct 9, 2008

Truth.

danxcr · Oct 15, 2008

garcia > grieseball

garcia can at least get out of the pocket

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Garcia expected to start Sunday; Griese unable to throw a ball

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Garcia expected to start Sunday; Griese unable to throw a ball

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