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