Wallace fined for hit on Simms

Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Al Wallace was fined $7,500 by the NFL for his hit on Chris Simms in the Panthers' 26-24 win Sunday.

Bucs coaches believe that hit, which occurred late in the fourth quarter, may have caused Simms' spleen to rupture. Simms was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital after the game where his spleen was removed.

The league cited Rule 12, Section 2, Article 12(2) of the NFL Official Playing Rules: "A rushing defender is prohibited from committing such intimidating and punishing acts as 'stuffing' a passer into the ground or unnecessarily wrestling or driving him down after the passer has thrown the ball, even if the rusher makes his initial contact within the one-step limitation … When tackling a passer who is virtually in a defenseless posture (e.g. during or just after throwing a pass), a defensive player must not unnecessarily and violently throw him down and land on top of him with all or most of the defender's weight. Instead, the defensive player must strive to wrap up or cradle the passer with the defensive player's arms."

There was no penalty called on the play, but in fining Wallace the league agreed with the Bucs that the hit was illegal and should have resulted in a roughing the passer penalty.

Also Friday, it was revealed Bucs safety Will Allen was fined $5,000 for taunting against the Panthers. Allen was called for a taunting penalty during the game.

— RICK STROUD, Times staff writer

Times photo by James Borchuck; click to enlarge

Simms hit illegal?

TAMPA — Early indications are the NFL has notified the Bucs that the fourth-quarter hit on Chris Simms that they believe ruptured his spleen warranted a roughing the passer penalty.

Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen said they received notification from the NFL regarding the hit Simms sustained from Carolina defensive lineman Al Wallace. Although neither would comment on the league’s ruling, they encouraged reporters Wednesday to contact Mike Periera, the NFL’s supervisor of officials.

A message left at Pereira’s office was not immediately returned.

“You’ll have to call the league and I’m sure they’ll tell you,” Gruden said. “All I can tell you is we got a 15-yard penalty for taunting (on Will Allen) and what they did is roughing the passer. If it’s first-and-goal at the 1-yard line and we win the game, I’m sure Chris feels a lot better laying in the hospital knowing we won the game.”

AP photo; click to enlarge.

Bucs have six QBs for tryout

   The Bucs are keeping their options open at quarterback.

   Tampa Bay worked out six passers with different levels of experience Tuesday afternoon at the team's new training facility.

   Representing veterans with extensive NFL starting experience were former Bucs quarterback Shaun King and former Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox. Cody Pickett, who played briefly for the 49ers last season, also practiced.

   Three candidates for the practice squad - Cliff Kingsbury, Lang Campbell and Brian Randle - also worked out Tuesday.

   The Bucs did not offer a contract to any player immediately following the workout.

   Tampa Bay is looking for a No. 3 quarterback to take the spot of Chris Simms, who is expected to be placed on injured reserve following surgery Sunday to remove his spleen. The team could opt to go with rookie starter Bruce Gradkowski and veteran Tim Rattay while signing a young player to the practice squad.

   Luke McCown, who tore his ACL in the off-season, is expected to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list following the Bucs sixth game.

Simms moved out of intensive care

   Quarterback Chris Simms was moved to a medical recovery floor from the intensive care unit at St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday.

    A statement released by the family said Simms' condition 'continues to improve daily and his doctors expect a full recovery.' Simms is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days recovering from surgery Sunday to remove his spleen.

   Simms and his family thanked the medical teams from both the Bucs and St. Joseph's Hospital 'for their prompt, professional care, allowing him to now focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.'
   ""Mr. Simms and his family also want to thank the well-wishers, from throughout Tampa Bay and across America, who have expressed their loving support for him with the hope of a speedy recovery.''

   

King to work out for Bucs

   Shaun King will work out for the Bucs this afternoon.

   The Bucs are looking for a quarterback to take the place on the roster of quarterback Chris Simms, who is expected to go on injured reserve after having his spleen removed following Sunday's 26-24 loss to Carolina.

   King, who played for the Bucs from 1999-03 received a call from the team's pro personnel department Tuesday morning.

   ""I'm going in there today,'' King said. ""I guess there will be a number of us working out. This is the perfect opportunity for me. I thought it was going to happen (when I worked out) last year. I've been working out. I played well in the preseason. I'm ready to go.''

   King, 29, was released by the Indianapolis Colts on the final roster cutdown, in large part because the team decided to go with just two quarterbacks and he is a vested veteran.

   The Bucs also are expected to work out former Steelers veteran Tommy Maddox, Kliff Kingsbury, who was released in Aug. by the Bills, and Drew Henson, who spent two seasons with the Cowboys.

   King started five games as a rookie with the Bucs in '99, leading Tampa Bay to the NFC Championship game where they lost to the St. Louis Rams. He went 10-6 as a starter the next season, losing in the wildcard game to the Eagles. But since 2001, King has started just three games, including two for the Arizona Cardinals in 2004.

   The Bucs are looking to sign another quarterback to backup new starter Bruce Gradkowski and veteran Tim Rattay. The team also is interested in trading for Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo.

 

(Times file photo shows King during Bucs Training Camp in July 2003. Click to enlarge.)

Gruden: Simms in good spirits

During a news conference at  Bucs headquaters this morning, coach Jon Gruden said injured quarterback Chris Simms is in good spirits following emergency surgery to remove his spleen.

The Bucs starting quarterback is potentially out for the season, Gruden said. Even if Simms can return, it may not be wise to bring him back very late in the season, Gruden added, calling Simms "extremely tough mentally and physically.

"He's gonna be okay," said Gruden, who visited Simms Monday morning. Simms is recuperating at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa.

When asked repeatedly to clarify what team physicians believed the extent of Simms' injuries to be during the game, Gruden said the quarterback was showing symptoms of fatigue and was treated accordingly when he went to the locker during the third quarter. But numerous players said Simms was clearly suffering, complaining to some of shortness of breath, and to others, pain in the ribcage area.

Gruden said team doctors checked the player thoroughly and believed the discomfort was the result of a hit Simms sustained in the ribs. Gruden said there were no indications Simms' spleen had ruptured.

"I was concerned about him throughout the whole game, as was our medical staff," Gruden said. "But he persisted on being able to play and he was confident he could perform and fight through it. After he went to the locker room and got checked out, it was a matter of 'Can you go? Can you play? Do you want to?' All indications were that he could play."

In any event, rookie Bruce Gradkowski becomes the starter when the Bucs return to the field Oct. 8 at New Orleans. Gradkowski performed well during the preseason, when he received the bulk of the work during exhibition games.

"That's one of the reasons we gave him extensive playing time in the preseason," Gruden said. "I thought he did some very good things. He'll get a lot of work this week and we'll see what happens. We have a great schedule ahead of ourselves, 13 games to go. This is going to be a tremendous challenge indeed. I believe he's a fine quarterback and he'll rise to the challenge."

The Bucs' personnel department will now turn their attention to locating a quarterback who would likely be the backup or the emergency No. 3. Gruden said that search had already begun, and he expected several candidates to be brought in for workouts this week, when the Bucs have a bye.

"We'll see who's available," Gruden said. "It could be via a trade. It could be a guy who's out there at this time. It could be someone on someone else's practice squad. There are a number of issues. We just have to see who's available."

Gruden press conference on tap

Coach Jon Gruden will have hold weekly press conference at 11 a.m. this morning. Check in for updates throughout the afternoon on Chris Simms' condition and the Bucs' plans to replace him after the potential season-ending injury. Simms ruptured his spleen Sunday against the Panthers and had it removed in an emergency surgery last night. He is in stable condition at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa.

Simms has spleen removed

Quarterback Chris Simms had his spleen removed in emergency surgery after Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Simms' mother Diana has told the St. Petersburg Times. She said her son's spleen apparently was ruptured early in Sunday's game.

The Bucs say Simms is in stable condition.

It is thought the injury occurred in the second quarter. Simms took several hard hits during the game -- on several pass attempts and a touchdown run -- and he left the game once in the third quarter, reportedly to be treated for dehydration. The quarterback went down on a knee at the end of a Bucs possession, but he walked to the locker room under his own power. But he returned to help the Bucs take the lead in the fourth quarter.

After the game, he also left the field under his own power.

Simms was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. There, he underwent the emergency surgery.

Team physician Dr. Joseph Diaco released this statement Sunday night: "Chris Simms suffered an injury to his spleen during today's game and was taken to the hospital. He underwent a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) this evening and is in stable condition. Chris is doing well and we anticipate a full recovery."

At his postgame press conference, Jon Gruden had said of Simms:

"He got hit early and he hurt his ribs. We don’t know the extent of that, but he played hard today. He played tough and he showed a lot of grit. He really did. It is a credit to him. He made some big plays when we needed him. We tried a lot of things today — flea flickers and going for it on fourth down, and he responded to a lot of different scenarios. He is hurting right now, there is no question. He left the game. I don’t know that it was because of his ribs, dehydration or both. He is a very sore and tired man right now, and I am proud of how he hung in there against a very good run defense."

Doctors say a ruptured spleen is the most common serious abdominal injury caused by blunt trauma.

A ruptured spleen is a serious injury because it can cause patients to bleed internally. If it is not corrected, it can be fatal.

Doctors say that the severity of the injury is graded on a four-point scale, depending on how badly the organ has been bruised or torn. Sometimes the damage to the spleen and its blood vessels is so severe that the organ needs to be removed in order to control internal bleeding.

But in cases that are not as severe, treatment often becomes a judgment call. Whether patients are taken to surgery for a particular spleen injury often comes down to personal preferences of the surgeons or the particular policy of the hospital where the patient is treated.

Panthers-Bucs

Both the Bucs and the Panthers are 0-2. One team will emerge today with hope; the other deep in the hole. Here are a few things we'll be watching for during today's game:

• Early success for the Bucs' offense and defense;
• Keyshawn Johnson's performance;
• Chris Simms' performance.

Check back here during the game for updates.

FIRST QUARTER
So much for Thing 1, Thing 2 and Thing 3.

Panthers 7, Bucs 0
Chris Simms throws his seventh interception. Jake Delhomme finds Keyshawn on the Panthers' first play for the score.

Question: Jon Gruden made Rich Gannon the league's most valuable player in Oakland. He gave the Bucs an offense to complement the All-World defense and won a Super Bowl. So far today, an interception and three downs and punt twice. What must Gruden be thinking as he watches this offense?

Rudd awakening: Ryan Nece is hurt, so Shelton Quarles has moved to the outside and second-year LB Barrett Rudd is in the middle. The Panthers have had some success early up the middle. But not all of that is Rudd's job. The Bucs' defensive line is due to make some plays.

Panthers 10, Bucs 0
John Kasay hits a 51-yard field goal.

Recipe for disaster: Bucs fall behind, Cadillac Williams is essentially removed from the offense, the Panthers' pass rushers drool.

• Simms: 1-of-6 for 9 yards with the interception.
• Cadillac: 4 carries, 7 yards.
• Total offense: 11 plays, 6 yards.
• Keyshawn: 2 catches, 39 yards, touchdown.

SECOND QUARTER

How bad is it? Passes to Keyshawn and Steve Smith put the Panthers at the Tampa Bay 7-yard line. The Bucs defense calls timeout.

Panthers 17, Bucs 0
Keyshawn, hardly a speedy guy, runs a reverse for the touchdown. This is what crow tastes like.

Bronx cheer: Or the Tampa Bay version of it. Simms completes a pass and the crowd lets out a derisive roar.

Ditch the playbook: Cadillac pitches back to Simms, whose completion to Alex Smith puts the Bucs in Carolina's end of the field.

Pep in his step: Cadillac is running hard. Maybe forget the score, give the ball to the guy who wants it most.

And a Mike Alstott sighting: With Julius Peppers hanging off his wrist, the veteran fullback picks up a first down.

Panthers 17, Bucs 7
The running game makes the play fakes work. Simms lofts a beauty to Joey Galloway for the touchdown.

Mark down the time: at 7 minutes, 3 seconds of the Bucs' 10th quarter of the 2006 season, their first touchdown.

To the woodshed for Will Allen: The defense forces three and out, but Allen earns a 15-yard taunting penalty.

Panthers 20, Bucs 7
Field position kills Bucs. John Kasay, 6-for-6 on year, kicks a 50-yarder.

HALFTIME

Lest we get carried away with the brief euphoria of a touchdown, the numbers still stink:

• Simms: 5-of-13, 47 yards, touchdown, interception;
• Cadillac: 8 carries, 23 yards;
• Total offense: 26 plays, 74 yards;
• Defensive line: 1 tackle, no sacks;
• Keyshawn: 4 catches, 66 yards, TD; 1 carry, 4 yards, TD;
• Steve Smith: 4 catches, 50 yards.

THIRD QUARTER

Splash play: That's what Gruden likes to call game-changing plays. Simeon Rice sacks Jake Delhomme, who fumbles. Bucs recover. Cadillac runs twice. Touchdown. Splash.

Panthers 20, Bucs 14
Tit for tat. This half, the Panthers turn over the ball on their first series and the Bucs cash in.

Simeon again: Rice strips DeShaun Foster. Bucs' ball at midfield. Splish-splash.

Bucs 21, Panthers 20
Chris Simms up and over on fourth down.

Panthers 23, Bucs 21
Kasay again from 50-plus yards.

Simms out, Gradkowski in: Simms goes down (cramp?), heads for the locker room. In comes Bruce Gradkowski.

FOURTH QUARTER

Steve @##!&&!! Smith: His hamstrings are holding up. He has seven catches for 116 yards.

Simms is back: And he's throwing on the sidelines.

Fumble!!! Another sack for the Bucs defense and a Delhomme fumble.

Bucs 24, Panthers 23
It's up, it's good. Matt Bryant gives the Bucs the lead.

Time for a defensive stand: watch for runs up the gut and Steve Smith long.

Blitzing Brooks: For at least the third time, Derrick Brooks has disrupted something in the Carolina backfield. On a crucial third down, he bats down Delhomme's pass attempt.

Was that smart? On third-and-5, Chris Simms tries to bark the Panthers into an offsides penalty, then he uses a timeout. If the Bucs don't convert here, they may need the timeout.

Choices: Simms overthrows double-covered Galloway on deep ball. Michael Clayton was open short for first down.

Jake, that snake: Delhomme's drunken run on fourth down sets up Kasay's fourth field goal.

Panthers 26, Bucs 24

No News is Bad News on Injury Front

There was no change in the Bucs' injury report on Friday. That means the five defensive starters who were questionable (meaning there is a 50 percent chance they will play) on Thursday remained so on Friday, just 48 hours before Sunday's game against division rival Carolina.

The least likely to play appears to be Brian Kelly, who hasn't practiced all week because of a turf toe injury. Concern is growing that Kelly's condition is worsening, and Kelly is worried about his future should the trend continue.

Simeon Rice (knee) returned to practice Friday, joining defensive tackles Chris Hovan (ankle) and Anthony McFarland (hip) in light duty. But Friday practices are not physically taxing and are not a good measurement of whether a player can play at full speed on Sunday.

Kelly and linebacker Ryan Nece (knee) did not practice. Look for the Bucs to possibly make a roster move by promoting defensive tackle Anthony Bryant from the practice squad and to get rookie lineman Julian Jenkins involved on Sunday should any of the linemen be sidelined.

Tthe Bucs are also contemplating how to replace Nece if he is unable to play. Coach Jon Gruden said one possibility is moving middle linebacker Shelton Quarles to Nece's strong side spot, with second-year reserve Barrett Ruud getting the start at middle linebacker. Another option might be to start Jamie Winborn on the strong side, but Winborn appears to be the less preferred option judging by the team's decision to leave him inactive last week against Atlanta.

Simms or bust

The question has often been asked the past couple weeks whether the Bucs would try to acquire another quarterback given Chris Simms' struggles.

Here's the answer: sounds great in theory, but almost impossible in reality.

The list of available quarterbacks isn't exactly a who's who at the position. It's a handful of journeymen you've never heard of and washed-up veterans no one wants. That isn't the answer. One possibility was to bring back Jay Fiedler, who was waived before the season. Problem is, his shoulder injury is not progressing, and he has elected to have additional surgery. He's probably not the guy you want to hand the reigns to.

So, why not orchestrate a trade for an experienced quarterback? Because a team that considers itself in contention isn't likely to even think about dealing its backup quarterback, one of the most critical positions on the team. The talk this week has been about the Bucs being interested in Jacksonville backup David Garrard, but a scenario involving Garrard being traded to Tampa Bay is very, very unlikely -- not unless the Bucs are willing to pay dearly for him, as in a first-round draft pick. With Jacksonville looking like a team that could go deep into the postseason, the last thing management will want to do is part ways with one of the better backups in the NFL, particularly after Garrard saved the season when Byron Leftwich missed five games in 2005 with an injury.

As for the Bucs' own quarterback options, playing rookie Bruce Gradkowski is not a prudent idea -- yet. He isn't ready for the sophisticated schemes he will see, regardless of what he did against the base defenses he faced in the preseason.

As for injured backup Luke McCown, his future will have to be decided in a few weeks when he comes off the Physically Unable to Perform List. Right now, he makes no promises about his ability to play this season after offseason knee surgery to repair a torn ligament. Though he feels good, he admits, "The doctors will always tell you that you'll feel like you can do more than you should." He added, "I could sit here and say I will (be able to play), but that's just me saying that."

The moral of this little spiel is this: Simms is the Bucs' best, and possibly only, option to be competitive in 2006.

Maybe you disagree. Feel free to share your thoughts below.

Rice added to injured list

It just continues to get worse for the Bucs defense.

The unit was dealt another blow today when defensive end Simeon Rice injured his knee in practice. Coach Jon Gruden reports Rice is questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Rice joins defensive starters Brian Kelly, Anthony McFarland, Ryan Nece and Chris Hovan, who remain questionable for Sunday with injuries.

Kelly (toe) and Nece (knee) did not practice Thursday, and although McFarland (hip) and Hovan (ankle) did participate, it was only on a limited basis and doesn't necessarily mean they'll be able to play against the Panthers.

The injuries are beginning to wear on Gruden, who joked, "I tried to explain to the team, we have this brand new, state-of-the-art training facility. My intent wasn't for every one of you to use it."

Later, Gruden got serious and said, "This is a big enough game that hopefully the men who are injured find the strength that they need to play."

-- By Stephen F. Holder

Smith practices

All Pro receiver Steve Smith missed the Panthers' first two games. The Bucs probably won't be as lucky.

Smith practiced Thursday for the first time in several weeks but still is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium. Cornerback Ken Lucas, who also is listed as questionable, returned to practice.

Panthers coach John Fox said Smith is still day-to-day, but he appears to be intent on playing Sunday. A series of hamstring injuries prevented from playing in the preseason or in losses to Atlanta and Minnesota.

"You hold your breath, but he looked like he made it through pretty good,'' Fox said. "He looked good, the things he did on the practice field today. So we'll see how he looks and feels tomorrow.''

Smith wasn't making any predicitions. "'It felt good, it felt like yesterday,'' Smith said. ""I did everything I did (Wednesday) but I did it with the team and with the defenders.

"I don't think it's anybody's call but mine. Not the fans, not the media, nobody but mine. When it's all said and done, if I screw my body up, they aren't going to be there.''

Same ol' Simms; Kelly's health a concern

Coach Jon Gruden backed off Monday in his criticism of quarterback Chris Simms, but Gruden called Simms' continued backward progress in a 3-interception performance against the Falcons "mystifying" during his Monday morning press conference. Gruden also defended his decision not to stick with the running game and Cadillac Williams longer at Atlanta, bristling at suggestions he went away from it too early.

Elsewhere, cornerback Brian Kelly continues to have problems with a turf toe injury he said has been a concern of his off and on for the past three seasons. The injury's persistent nature these days has Kelly worried, which is why he plans to travel out West tomorrow to see a foot specialist. Kelly reminded us that a similar injury nearly ended Deion Sanders' career in the late 90s, and that turf toe can be a debilitating injury for a cornerback.

Kelly hopes to play Sunday against the Panthers -- with All-Pro receiver Steve Smith possibly making his debut -- but won't commit to it just yet. It was his decision to sit out yesterday's game at Atlanta, and he said his coaches were mostly supportive of his choice. Seems like it was the smart move considering the degenerative nature of this type of injury.

It's just another concern for an 0-2 team that already has many.

Bucs-Falcons

We'll post observations during the game. We welcome your comments. Please leave your name and hometown.

Injury report

Bucs
Out -- Davin Joseph, Dave Moore
Questionable -- Dan Buenning, Shelton Quarles
Probable -- Brian Kelly, Cadillac Williams

Falcons
Doubtful -- LB Edgerton Hartwell
Questionable -- DE John Abraham
Probable -- DE Patrick Kerney, CB DeAngelo Hall

FIRST QUARTER

• First bit of bad news: Kelly is out.
• Michael Vick is running free and easy, a little too free and easy.
• First turnover forced by the Bucs defense.
• Hey! It's Joey Galloway! He must be the fastest 34-year-old in the world.
• Shank. Matt Bryant misses from 45 yards.

Falcons, 7-0. Was it pass interference on Ronde Barber? Anyway, Vick finds the edge again for a touchdown.

• Simms finds Galloway, then stops Bucs fans' hearts. A Falcons lineman (Darrell Shropshire)smells the dumpoff to Mike Alstott and nearly intercepts for the sure touchdown.
• During a timeout, Jon Gruden gives Simms an earful.
• Batted Passes Department: 2.

SECOND QUARTER

• How long before the Bucs defense gets frustrated? The Falcons' line, plus some offensive misdirection, is creating open spaces for Warrick Dunn and Vick.
• Somebody knocks down Vick: Ryan Nece on a middle blitz.
• A gift: Michael Koenen botches short field goal. Or was it deflected by a Bucs lineman?
• Simms gives it back. A rollout pass to Michael Clayton looks telegraphed and late. D'Angelo Hall intercepts and returns inside Bucs' 20.

Falcons, 14-0. Vick is consistently getting outside the tackles -- a run, then a short pass to Fred McCrary for the score.

• Michael Pittman, who's been a godsend as a kick returner, has been stuffed inside the 20 twice.
• Run squashed for loss, Simms scrambles for life, third batted pass, punt. Oh, boy.
• Bucs are getting no pass rush unless they blitz.
• Simeon Rice spins inside and flushes Vick, but the edge is vacant.
• 30 yards for Dunn. The defense looks lost.
• It could be worse. Koenen blows another short field goal.
• 3:28 left in the first half. Simms needs something positive.
• Hey! Sharp throw and catch, Simms to Clayton.
• Batted passes: 4. But, it's the only incompletion among eight passes so far on this drive.
• Ouch. Simms air-mails pass over Ike Hilliard, who is alone in end zone. The Fox analyst says Simms is rattled.

Falcons, 14-3. Bucs score their first points of 2006. A 70-yard drive.

HALFTIME

• Through six quarters: Opponents 41, Bucs 3.
• According to Fox announcers, Falcons have 168 rushing yards.
• We need a distraction. Other scores?
  Duh Bears are beating Detroit 24-0.
  Eagles 17, Giants 7.
  Ravens 16, Raiders 3.
  Panthers 10, Vikings 6.

THIRD QUARTER

• Bucs drive starts with beautiful pass (Simms' bomb to Galloway), ends with panicky throw that is deflected by a hand, a foot and then intercepted by Atlanta.
• Derrick Brooks intercepts and artfully returns for a touchdown, but then ... illegal block by Nece.
• Another sketchy call hurts Bucs. Nece stopped short of blocking Dunn, who took a dive.
• Dunn's swoon is worth it. The subsequent Bucs' possession ends with a missed FG. Even Bryant, rock-solid last year, is no sure thing.

FOURTH QUARTER

• That's 20 Bucs offensive series and zero touchdowns.
• Rushing numbers: Dunn 126, Vick 113, Cadillac 37.
• Man, if the Falcons had a kicker. Koenen's third attempt is blocked.
• Batted passes: 5.
• The Falcons are approaching a team record in rushing yards. Booger McFarland has no tackles.
• Check that. Booger bowls over Vick on third down. Here comes Koenen, WHO MISSES AGAIN! The placekickers are a combined 1-for-7.
• Simms roughed on third down. He's a stationary target right now.
• And that's the ballgame. D'Angelo Hall picks off Simms' bomb for Galloway.
• Falcons pass 300 yards rushing.

Photo of Michael Vick by the Times' Bill Serne.
Photo of Derrick Brooks by the Times' Brendan Fitterer.
Photo of Chris Simms by the Times' Bill Serne.
Click on photos to enlarge.

Cadillac's good, but Brian Kelly?

Cadillac Williams returned to practice Friday and said if the game were today, he'd play.

Brian Kelly, on the other hand, missed practice for the second consecutive day. He has a foot injury -- bad news for a cornerback -- and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Atlanta.

If Kelly can't go, Juran Bolden starts at cornerback and Alan Zemaitis, a rookie, becomes the fifth defensive back in nickel coverages.

-- Stephen Holder

Bill Serne photo of Kelly ; click to enlarge.

Caddy's back problems are back

Running back Cadillac Williams was held out of Thursday's practice with back spasms, and is listed as probable for Sunday's game at Atlanta. While players listed as probable usually play, the fact that the back spasms have returned is a concern for the Bucs.

Williams experienced back spasms in last Sunday's loss to the Ravens, something that contributed to his lack of carries (he carried eight times). Williams is coming off a brilliant rookie season that was marred by a persistent foot injury that sidelined him for two games and limited him significantly in portions of other games.

He's one of the toughest guys who I've met and, obviously, this is not something that's just gone away here overnight like we had hoped," coach Jon Gruden said Thursday. "Hopefully he gets a good night's sleep and a day's rest helps him."

Also added to the injury list Thursday: cornerback Brian Kelly, who is probable with a sore foot.

Times photo; click to enlarge.

Simms: "I was the reason we lost."

Chris Simms accepted the blame for the Bucs' 27-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. All of it.

"I just didn't play good all around and didn't help out the offensive line at all. I made some stupid decisions in the passing game,'' Simms said Wednesday. "I was the reason we lost. Period."

Simms threw three interceptions, including one that was returned 60 yards for a touchdown and had three passes batted down at the line of scrimmage.

Speaking for the first time since the numbing defeat, Simms took responsibility for the deflected passes.

"I’ve just got to find ways to throw it around guys and maybe throw it a little quicker here and there," Simms said. "Just things like that where I’ve got to be more aware when I’m out there on the field to get it around some of these big defensive linemen."

Simms also fell on the sword for the Bucs’ failure to recognize some of the Ravens’ defensive fronts, deflecting some of the criticism from center John Wade. On at least one occasion, the Ravens overloaded the left side of the line of scrimmage and Simms was sacked.

"I messed up simple, day one practice back in OTA, April stuff that I shouldn’t have messed up on," Simms said. "You’ve just got to imagine being in John Wade’s shoes. He’s down in a squatting position with a 330-pound guy right on his nose and he’s trying to read blitzes and which way they’re coming from and I have a better perspective pretty much all the time."

Simms said he his experience bouncing back from poor outings last season against the 49ers and Panthers will help him Sunday at Atlanta.

"I had enough times last year where I didn’t play so well the week before and came back played pretty good the next week,'' Simms said. "It’s all about putting it in perspective. It’s one loss. It’s not the end of the world. It hurt for two days, really. But at the end of the week, I’ve got to be ready to play the Falcons.''

 

Bucs look at Bouman

The Bucs may not be satisfied with their quarterback situation.

Tampa Bay worked out former Vikings and Saints veteran Todd Bouman Monday. The nine-year veteran started the final three games for the Saints last season after Aaron Brooks was benched.

""He had a very good workout,'' said Bouman's agent, Gary Uberstine. ""He's on the Bucs short list if they need someone.''

Uberstine said Bouman will work out with the Cleveland Browns this week.

The audition came one day after quarterback Chris Simms threw three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown in the Bucs' 27-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Rookie Bruce Gradkowski replaced Simms and went 1-of-5 passing for 4 yards. Veteran Tim Rattay was the Bucs' inactive third quarterback Sunday.

Bouman's workout with the Bucs was scheduled prior to the season-opening loss to the Ravens.

Bouman, 34, spent his first six years with the Vikings before he was traded to the Saints in 2003.

Last season, Bouman went 68-of-122 for 722 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions after taking the helm from Brooks for the final three games.

 

    

   

Injury Issues Compound Loss

Sunday's loss to the Ravens was ugly, particularly up front where the offensive line was handled by a ravaging Baltimore defense. But the news going forward doesn't stand to get a whole lot better, with coach Jon Gruden on Monday disclosing that starting right guard Davin Joseph likely will be out for at least the next three weeks.

Joseph suffered a sprained knee in practice last Wednesday and hasn't practiced since.

"I'm confident that Davin will be close to being ready to go after the bye" week," Gruden said. The Bucs' open date is Oct. 1, but before then, they play at Atlanta on Sunday and at home against Carolina on Sept. 24. Using Gruden's time frame, Joseph most likely wouldn't return before the Oct. 8 game at New Orleans. As for left guard Dan Buenning (sprained ankle), Gruden said he will attempt to practice on Wednesday and could make his return against the Falcons.

Also Monday, Gruden said the Bucs already are in the process of evaluating free-agent long snappers after veteran Dave Moore suffered an injury to his ribs Sunday. Several candidates were flown in Monday morning and the Bucs could make a roster move in the coming days if Moore's injury is deemed serious.

Tight end Doug Jolley stepped in after Moore's injury and snapped on the game's final two punts, but he is a relatively inexperienced long snapper having only done so in preseason games during his career. Guard Jeb Terry has done some long snapping, but Gruden said he views him as a secondary option.

And running back Cadillac Williams also had issues Sunday with back spasms, according to Gruden. Asked whether they were heat related, Gruden said "he took some hits." Gruden said the spasms were a factor in Williams being limited to eight carries.

Whatever the reason for the back problems, Gruden defended his usage of Williams in the preseason, when he was used sparingly, carrying 4 times for 3 yards. Williams only carried the ball in one game, against the Jaguars in the third preseason contest.

Bucs-Ravens

We'll post observations here during the game. We welcome your comments. Please leave your name and hometown.

FIRST QUARTER

• Shelton Quarles is inactive for today's game. Barrett Ruud starts at middle linebacker. Let's keep an eye on him.



• Ravens RB Jamal Lewis, photo at left, looks like a load again.
• On third down in red zone, Ravens are beneficiaries of tight pass interference call on Ronde Barber.

7-0, Ravens. Just like that, Baltimore marches 80 yards on the opening possession.

• The Bucs offense goes short run, dropped pass, completion for no gain, punt.
• Steve McNair is part of two fumbles and Ravens lose 20 yards.
• Even with the referees wearing their new jerseys, a drive-altering holding call still looks ugly.

14-0, Ravens. Chris McAllister intercepts Chris Simms and returns 60 yards for a touchdown. The CBS analyst Rich Gannon (who knows something about interceptions) criticizes Simms for not seeing McAllister.

SECOND QUARTER

• Three possessions for Bucs, three dropped passes: Mike Alstott, Joey Galloway, Anthony Becht.
• Bucs lose first challenge of season.
• Subtle play by Baltimore punt returner B.J. Sams. It looks like Josh Bidwell's punt might be killed inside the Baltimore 5-yard line, but Sams blocks the Bucs' cover man and the punt dribbles into the end zone. Touchback.
• Other scores of note: Bills 17, Patriots 7 . . . Rams 9, Broncos 0 . . . Falcons 6, Panthers 3 . . . Saints 9, Browns 0 (Reggie Bush has 40 yards on seven carries).
• Back to the game . . . Simms' first completion to a wide receiver is followed by Simms' first ball batted down down by a defensive lineman.
• Since that opening Baltimore drive, the Bucs defense has forced four consecutive punts, three straight possessions without a first down. The Bucs have good field position just before the half but . . .



• Simms' second batted ball is a killer. Haloti Ngata, photo at right, all 340 pounds of him, intercepts and returns 60 yards to the Bucs' 9-yard line.

17-0, Ravens. Field goal means 10 free points for Baltimore.

Halftime. Listen to the boos.

Scores around league: Bills 17, Pats 7 . . . Bengals 17, Chiefs 3 . . . Jets 13, Titans 0 (Vince Young is 3-of-4 but throws an interception) . . . Saints 9, Browns 0 (Reggie Bush has 10 carries, 51 yards) . . . Falcons 13, Panthers 3 (Keyshawn Johnson has one catch for 8 yards).

THIRD QUARTER

• Bucs have 62 yards of offense, three first downs, two turnovers.
• To start second half, Ravens LB Bart Scott crushes Cadillac Williams for a 4-yard loss, then sacks Simms for an 11-yard loss. Rich Gannon says Bucs' patchwork offensive line (minus Davin Joseph and Dan Buenning) is having a bad day.

20-0, Ravens. Short field for Ravens offense.

• Three batted balls for Simms.
• Something to cheer about: Alstott takes a pass in the flat, slips a defender for a first down; Simms finds Michael Clayton for 27 yards; Alex Smith turns a checkoff pass into an 18-yard gain.
• Hit of the day: Ray Lewis pancakes Pittman on an incomplete pass.
• Game over? The Bucs turn the ball over on downs inside the Ravens' 10-yard line.

FOURTH QUARTER

27-0, Ravens. After Simms' third interception, Steve McNair throws his first TD pass.

• The white towel is thrown. Bruce Gradkowski is playing quarterback for Tampa Bay.

POSTSCRIPT

• Here are some numbers:
  Chris Simms: 17-of-29, 133 yards, three interceptions
  Cadillac Williams: 8 carries, 22 yards
  Joey Galloway: zero

• As openers go, this ties for second-worst loss.
  1996: Packers 34, Bucs 3
  1988: Eagles 41, Bucs 14
  2006: Ravens 27, Bucs 0
  1993: Chiefs 27, Bucs 3
  1986: 49ers 31, Bucs 7
  1998: Vikings 31, Bucs 7

• This was the third shutout loss on opening day. The others:
  1976: Oilers 20, Bucs 0
  1983: Lions 11, Bucs 0

Boston cut

So much for David Boston.

The troubled but talented receiver fell short of a comeback with the Bucs when he was released Saturday to make room for guard Scott Jackson, who was signed from the practice squad.

Starting right guard Davin Joseph, the team's first-round pick, is out indefinitely with a knee sprain. Left guard Dan Buenning is questionable with an ankle sprain and did not practice this week.

The Bucs host the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener at 1 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Boston, who played in just five games the past two seasons with the Dolphins due to knee injuries, appeared to have found a home in Tampa Bay. But with seven receivers on the roster, he apparently was the most expendable player.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Jackson can play all five offensive line positions. But his signing is the biggest indication that the team does not expect Buenning to be active. Third-year pro Jeb Terry will make his first NFL start at right guard for Joseph and Sean Mahan is expected to start at left guard.

The Bucs have six other receivers on the roster - Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard, Maurice Stovall, Mark Jones and Paris Warren. The surprising thing is that Boston was considered the most expendable.

That's not to say Boston won't return to the team next week. If Buenning improves, the team could opt to re-sign Boston.

But what a downer to a guy who was 24 hours to fulfilling his goal of a comeback in the NFL.

      

Tucker a Buc no more

The Torrin Tucker experiment is over. The Bucs this week reached an injury settlement with the offensive tackle acquired as a restricted free agent during the offseason.

Tucker was released from injured reserve today and becomes a free agent. His chronic knee pain continues to prevent him from returning to action but he is still rehabilitating and hopes to catch on with another team before long.

Had Tucker remained on IR, he would have been unable to return this season and the Bucs would have been responsible for paying his $1.2-million base salary. This resolution allows the Bucs to take much less of a financial hit while giving Tucker the opportunity to play in 2006. It also means the salary cap hit absorbed by the team will be less than it would have been with Tucker on the roster for the duration of the season. It will include the small amount from Tucker's signing and/or roster bonuses and whatever sum was agreed upon in the settlement.

The Bucs essentially replaced Tucker by signing free agent tackle Cornell Green last week. They gambled by signing Tucker in the first place, but the move had the potential to pay off had he been able to provide needed depth on the line. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But in this case, they ventured but still didn't gain.

Joseph out for Sunday's game

Bucs first-round pick Davin Joseph has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener with a right knee injury, said coach Jon Gruden today.

Joseph, the starting RG, underwent an MRI exam Wednesday and Gruden said the results point to a sprained knee. It is unknown at this time when he will return.

He injured his knee in Wednesday's practice. Backup Jeb Perry will replace him.

Rogers works out for Bucs

It might have been pure curiosity, but the Bucs on Wednesday worked former Lions receiver and one-time No. 2 overall pick Charles Rogers.

No word on how things went, but Rogers is a huge talent with a disappointing resume. He was waived in final cuts on Saturday in favor of a rookie free agent from Portland State (Shaun Bodiford), who made the team.

Rogers had two broken collarbones and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy during his tenure in Detroit. Any further violations could be met with a one-year suspension according to the league's policy.

No team put in a waiver claim for the 25-year-old Rogers after his release on Saturday, which is an indication of the lukewarm reception he will receive as a free agent.

That the Bucs worked out Rogers is not surprising. The team has a reputation for working out numerous free agents, regardless of need or interest. Two weeks ago the Bucs worked out former Raiders offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy who hasn't taken an NFL snap in more than two years.

Stay tuned for reaction from the Bucs later today.

Busy Day for Bucs

Wednesday was a busy day for the Bucs, and not all the news was good.

Starting right guard Davin Joseph injured his left knee in Wednesday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Ravens. And that news was compounded by word that left guard Dan Buenning continues to be affected by a sore ankle suffered against Houston in the preseason finale. He, too, is listed as questionable. The Bucs would turn to Sean Mahan (right) and Jeb Terry (left) if either starter is sidelined against Baltimore.

Elsewhere, starting middle linebacker Shelton Quarles is listed as questionable with a groin injury that has been affecting him for some time. Quarles was unable to practice and isn't certain whether he will practice on Thursday. Second-year player Barrett Ruud would start in Quarles' absence. Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (undisclosed injury) and right tackle Kenyatta Walker (knee) appear ready to go, according to the respective players.

In other news, center John Wade said he was informed he has won the position battle between him and Mahan. The competition between the two lasted all preseason, going down to the final preseason game.

Bucs announce practice squad

Five players released on the final cutdown were re-signed to the Bucs practice squad. The list includes defensive end Charles Bennett, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, receiver Chas Gessner, offensive lineman Scott Jackson and fullback Rick Razzano.

Also signed to the practice squad were running back Antonio Gates and tackle Dennis Roland.

The 6-foot, 223-pound Gates was a seventh-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2005. The 6-foot-9, 325-pound Roland was released by the Cowboys. Teams can maintain a practice squad of up to eight players.

 

 

Boston saved; Shepherd waived

The Bucs made their final cuts Saturday evening, reducing the roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players.

There weren't too many tough calls with so many players back from last season's NFC South championship team. But one such decision was required in the receiving corps. The Bucs opted to keep veteran David Boston and second-year player Paris Warren, while waiving Edell Shepherd, an up-and-coming receiver who has struggled to overcome one of the most infamous dropped passes in franchise history in last season's wildcard game loss to the Redskins.

Elsewhere, the Bucs kept linebackers Wesly Mallard and Antoine Cash, while apparently closing the book on one-time third-round pick Marquis Cooper, who also was waived.

Other notable cuts were rookie tight end Tim Massaquoi, a seventh-round pick this year, fullback Rick Razzano, a seventh-round pick last year, guard Toniu Fonoti, an offseason acqusition, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, a 2005 sixth-round pick and safety Donte Nicholson, a fifth-round pick in 2005 who showed much promise.

Also Saturday, the Bucs moved offensive tackle Torrin Tucker to injured reserve, which effectively sidelines him for the season. Tucker, signed as a restricted free agent from Dallas over the summer, has been experiencing chronic knee pain throughout the preseason.

The complete list of cuts:

TE Mark Anelli

DE Charles Bennett

DE Jon Bradley

DT Anthony Bryant

S Steve Cargile

C Jonathan Clinkscale

LB Marquis Cooper

FB Carey Davis

CB Dwight Ellick

G Toniu Fonoti

WR Chas Gessner

OL Scott Jackson

TE Tim Massaquoi

S Donte Nicholson

CB James Patrick

FB Rick Razzano

WR Edell Shepherd

LB Anthony Trucks

RB Derek Watson

DE Andrew Williams

DE Keith Wright

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