Gruden downplays Garcia's injury

Bucs coach Jon Gruden considered quarterback Jeff Garcia's right calf injury not serious, calling the 38-year-old veteran day-to-day despite his obvious inability to put weight on the leg. (Watch audio slideshow)

"I don't believe it's serious," Gruden said. "We're going to get the information. He might not have much at all. Right now, until we evaluate it further, we really can't say much else."

Garcia was injured in a non-contact "scramble drill," likely on a roll out.

"I think it was just a freak thing," Gruden said. "He was dropping back and took off as he always does, changed directions and felt a little pull in there."

Garcia was taken by golf cart to the locker room, then struggled to walk a distance of about 15 feet from the sidewalk to the front door. He put almost no weight on his right leg as he made his way in to be evaluated further.

Prior to that, Garcia was worked on by trainers for more than 10 minutes under a sideline tent, apparently to no avail. When he got up from the trainer's table after a few minutes of therapy, he tested the leg by walking a few steps but quickly abandoned those efforts.

The Bucs are scheduled to conduct a light walkthrough practice this afternoon. There is no word whether Garcia will participate or be available for comment.

At the very least, until the severity of Garcia's injury is firmly established, it will fuel speculation of the Bucs' interest in Packers quarterback Brett Favre.

Meanwhile, the Bucs are evaluating another injury, a groin strain suffered by starting defensive tackle Jovan Haye this morning. Haye's injury is believed to be potentially serious, though Gruden did not publicly express concern. Others did.

"I don't know how serious it is for sure," defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. "It definitely was a real significant injury. I don't have the whole report."

(Pictured - Jeff Garcia limps back into the training facility on Thursday morning. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[IMISS_No47]

Don't these guys stretch before workouts?

[STIXX]

THE PLOT SICKNESS......

[STIXX]

THE PLOT THICKENS......

He's 38
insurance required

[Bill]

Start McCown and pick up Rod Coleman.
Problem Solved

lets go farve

[Steve L]

Of course they do (stretch). I’ve been heavily into fitness for years (weight training and interval training) and have done hardcore yoga for most of that time. A few years ago after having warmed up completely, replete with intense sports related stretching, I injured my groin after sprinting with reckless abandon throughout a game of flag football. My lesson was not easing into the hard running. Since it’s early in training camp these may well be similar injuries in terms of them not having many reps under their belt yet. Hopefully it’s not serious. Haye’s sounds potentially more troublesome. And Garcia’s not getting any younger…

[Lex]

Hey, I want to let Green Bay know that I won't play for them for a lot less than $20 million, a million or so will do - What a bargain!

[shane]

any one else besides me think that the bucs need a better training staff seems like our players are always playing hurt and we have had 5 injuries to starters(at key positions too) and one season ending injury to a non-impact player so far not to mention the 14 players that finished last year on IR.

Time for a change in training staff Bruce or whoever controls that kind of thing because the amount of injuries that are happening are getting out of control

[jay]

FIRE JON U SUCK GRUDEN!

[Brandon]

Yoga has nothing to do with injury prevention. Traditional static stretching never does. The key to injury prevention is increasing the core muscle temperature through either dynamic stretching and light warm-ups.

The problem with Garcia is that he is old and getting older. Old muscles and tendons don't warm up or stay warm like they used to. This is why you don't sign a 38-year old QB to an extension.

[Brandon]

Shane, every team has injuries. We currently have 3 guys hurt. Galloway, Garcia and Haye... that isn't bad considering this IS a contact sport and we have 80 guys under contract. It is like that all around the NFL, just open your eyes and you'll see it.

[Yoshi]

Hopefully Haye's injury is not as bad as it seems. Brandon is right picking up old QBs is a short term fix. Dont get me wrong i think garcia is good but how long do you expect the team to last with a 38 year old QB. Hopefully Josh Johnson can translate his college stats to the nfl. Maybe we'll get some stability. Something we havent had for a long time.

[Steve L]

Brandon, yoga is a generic term for a host of modalities that could certainly encompass something known as dynamic stretching. You’re right though, warming up the core muscles (via various methods) is training 101. Hence the term “warm up”.

The QB position will clearly be in some state of flux until we discover a longer term solution. Perhaps Johnson, perhaps the light flickers on with McNown.

[mike]

We should trade Gruden, Sims and Johnny Gomes for Favre.

[Kurt]

Rod Coleman has already been re-signed by the Falcons. We drafted a tackle and picked one up in F/A, so we should be covered. It's not a season ending injury, but he could miss some time. Greise will take the helm from Garcia; not McCown. He's thrown 27 TD's during his 11-5 run for us (2004-2005)and has shown a unique adeptness for the West Coast offense. McCown hasn't won a game yet, although I think he is possibly the future. Don't get any funny ideas about Simms. Furthermore, these guys definitely stretch, but it demanding in that heat and if you don't concentrate on every play, you very well can pull a muscle and hurt yourself. And that's barring the fact that someone can just roll up on your leg also.

[BN]

DANG IT!!!

[Tate]

Hey Gruden...Warm up Josh Johnson...he's the real Bucs QB of the future...the best draft pick the team has made in years. If you saw what this guy could do on the field we'd settle this whole QB situation stat...I know it's gonna take time but he's worth it...mark my words!

[DR]

Gruden said he's alright. That must mean he's out for the season.

[DR]

There is a thing called over stretching which could cause injury in itself.
Kurt, you're basing your argument on 2004-05 stats? I thought you were better than that. Griese couldn't beat out Grossman for the starting job. If he does take the form of himself in 04-05, it would be nice to have a game manager who makes few mistakes but that may have passed him by.

[Steve L]

If Garcia is truly hurt than Griese is clearly the next in line. I’m not sure where he’s at in terms of picking up the nuances of what has changed in Gruden’s offense since he’s left, but he’s clearly had success in the past. As for Johnson- he’s greener than the Hulk. He could obviously turn out to be something (that would be the hope); he could also turn out to be Joe Hamilton.

[Kristian]

Hey Kurt,remember McCowns game against the saints last year,300+ yrds,16-16 his first 16 passes,I think he won that one,but never the less with Garcia out for what ever amont of time it is it gives more training camp reps to all are QBs to evaluate who would be the best possible starter if this thing is long term for Garcia but with the way Lukes looking in camp don't be surprized if he gets the nod because he's impessing the staff and has an edge on Griese and has the chance to be our future QB,that can't be said about Griese.

[Ed]

I'm surprised Ron & Ian didn't think this was a conspiracy of Gruden and Allen that Garcia take a dive then they could bring in Favre!!

[Apollo]

Shane, I tend to agree. It seems to me that Bucs get these barrage of injuries for several years now. I don't remember this being this bad in the Dungy era. This is not a knock on Gruden, I just keep thinking that this have something to do with the conditioning staff. I understand teams get injuries all the time, but what is up with these so called "freak injuries" from the Bucs - Cadillac (last year), Garcia, Davin Joseph (rookie year offseason), etc.

[Ed]

It didn't rain that much when Dungy was here either. Damn that GRUDEN!! Gee, what happened to Booger up there, Harrison, etc....

[shane]

hey brandon i know every team has injuries(as a youth football coach i understand that it is a contact sport)but when you go year-to-year with 8 or more guys winding up on IR because of "freak" injuries you have a MAJOR problem within your training and/or conditioning staff. Last year was a significant sign that we have a problem within(we end the regular season with at least 14 guys on IR) and we have to find a way to fix that problem even if it means costing people their jobs(even though they are the ones that are putting their heads under the guillotine by not doing their jobs right). If they are doing the best they can then fine at least they went out with their best efforts but if someone is out there that is better then you have to go and get them for the sake of your football season, your players, your organization, and your fans.

[Steve L]

Ed, that was funny!

And what does a freak injury such as the one Williams sustained while severely hyperextending his knee while trying to get extra yards on a rushing play have to do with the trainers? Did they not massage his patellar tendon enough? Yes, I’m being facetious…

[DR]

The Bucs had 14 guys on IR last year and guess what...that was only top 10 in the league. Its football, get over it. Blaming injuries just means you have no depth, no talent.
These guys are playing on wet ground which is not good when you try to cut and try to accelerate. These conditions will result in groin pulls and muscle and tendon strains.

[Herb]

yay, garcia cant even survive no-contact drills without going gimpy!!!!

How's he going to get through a season?

He cant, that's why he isnt getting paid like a full time starter.

[Ed]

We will have to wait and see what the extent of is injury is. Although this has nothing to do with the regular season, and I like Jeff's enthusiasm and heart, but remember he is 38 years old and plays like he is 28 with an aggressive style. He said that the first press conference that he may be 37 in age but plays like he is 10 years younger. Remember Seattle, first game? Hurt! It's not a knock against him but we have to be realistic when he wants a new contract and you may or may not(checking Allen's cell phone) be looking at a Hall of Fame bound QB that has never missed a game in his career since his first start. Garcia missed 3 because of injury last year alone. If Gruden could just lower the ego a notch, work WITH the QB's, get the the other 38 year old QB here, this team might be for real. I mean if all these players were here over the last 6 years and they don't "get it"..then the guy that designs the playbook needs to look in the mirror.

[BucREALIST]

You guys are all idiots. BUCS and GRUDEN SUCK!!! IT IS A FACT that he won the Super Bowl with Dungy's team. Same training staff that they have had for quite a few years now, including when Dungy was here, except for a couple of guys. Each one of Gruden's 52 QB's aren't worthy of being a quality starter as proven by what they have done in the league consistently which is NOTHING! The bucs will be 6-10 at best, Gruden will get fired and Bill Cowher will be the next Bucs coach. Really, how do you get hurt in a non-contact drill. C'mon now. They should have tried to get Brian Brohm. Oh well can't wait to see what happens. Stop the talk about Favre going to the Bucs too. He won't even talk to them. He doesn't want to play for the Bucs. He wants to go to someone who has a chance of winning like the Vikings or Bears. No by the way I do not like either team. In fact I hate both the Bears and the ViQueens. Oh yeah I also wanted to add that Manny Ramirez is a true idiot too. While I am at it Sports radio in the Tampa Bay area sucks too. Josh Johnson is just like Joe Hamilton was as a QB. Lots and lots of work needed (way too small) but maybe in 3-5 years he might be ok.

[mackleT.]

It doesn't matter who we have at q.b. Carolina is going to kill us this year. mark my words.

[Apollo]

Steve L., I do not belive that Williams injury is the fault of the trainers. But isn't the goal for the conditioning staff is to help minimize injuries through strength programs, preventive routines, or whatever. I'm just basing my opinion on the appearance that there are more of these type injuries happening where minimal contact from other players occured. (Another of these "freak" injury that comes to mind is Luke Mcknown a couple of years ago where I believe he was injured while simply running or avoiding another player during offseason workouts). The health of the players is abviously vital for a succesful run. So after after seeing so many of these injuries over the past years, maybe the Bucs need to take a look at the conditioning program to see how they can best improve and lessen these. It's not about taking someone's job but rather quality control and improvement of one the most important functions of an NFL team, minimizing injuries as much as possible.

[Ed]

BucREALIST:
I suggest you and your sister/wife fix the brake lights on the back of the house and move somewhere that life is perfect. Maybe Dungy's back yard? Or does Payton Manning have say over that patch of grass too?

[Steve L]

Thoughtful comments Apollo, but I really believe that if we were participating in a local blog for any of the other NFL teams we could voice those same concerns. The weekly injury list that all teams submit (perhaps excepting the dubious Patriot’s list) is evidence of this. Could improvements be made? There’s always room for improvement.

As for BucREALIST- maybe we should give the SB ring to Wyche instead since there were players from his tenure that were on the team too (Sapp and Brooks to name two of the best).

[Steve L]

Ed, you're cracking me up today- good stuff!

And how do you get hurt in a non contract drill? Is he serious? Uh, not all injuries in the NFL are crush injuries. You don't have to engage with a player to get hurt.

[Kurt]

DR, I'm basing my statistics on when Griese played in the same system. I think that has merit. Grossman was already the starter and they signed Griese as a backup. No-one has success as QB in Chicago, who knows why, but he has had success everywhere else.

[shane]

Kurt you have no personal responsibility to explain complex things to Skip Baylar's son DR. DR deny it if you want but you have to admit to the similarities. Both you and Skip are high on "D" block's jockstraps, always have to twist facts so they only make sense to you, continue on and on in your incoherent rants unless someone comes in and absolutely b@$ch slaps you publicly(Kurt,myself,Yoshi and a few others have done it in the past). Heck if your now Skip's kid you are Skip

[shane]

*not

[DR]

Shane, keep telling yourself you win arguments, you have brought nothing to the table. You can say I'm Skip Bayliss' son, that's fine. At least he gets paid for his opinion on football. You must Andre Agassi's son since you must know more about tennis because you know nothing about football. Go talk about futbal somewhere else. Kurt does bring some insight to the table.
You want to fire trainers who have been here for years even though you ignore the fact that injuries were abundant all across the league. Caddy's injury wasn't the trainers fault. A pulled groin for a 37 year old and pulled calf muscle for a 38 year old is not uncommon. Look at the conditions of the field, wet grass means trouble. If these guys aren't wearing the right sized cleat, it will result in injury. Thats not the trainers fault. You obviously have never played football to make the dumb comments you have made.

[shane]

hey DR i actually have played football before(2 years) and now coach(3 years) it and in 5 years of both none of my players have ever gotten hurt because of a wet field and if you have seen this field when it is wet you would be completely surprised at that. and your comment about the cleat size is justifiable but cleat size really doesn't matter in the terms of injury it only matters in terms of grip of the field. The only reason I have said to fire this trainer is because of the constant state of injury to the buccaneer players, hell the players that I coach have never gotten injured in practice or a game(3 years running). And if your team, "D" block, had this many injuries over the past three years(we have had at least ten players go to IR every year for the past three) you would be saying the same thing. Tell me DR if Tony Romo, T.O., Marion Barber, and Demarcus Ware went down due to injury within a week tell me how you would feel about the training staff(especially since "D" block plays in a dome)

[DR]

Shane, what team could you possibly be coaching with no injuries over 3 years? Must be pee wee. High schools have injuries every year. Colleges, even more.
Please tell me your not comparing those D Block players (I like that nickname- at least we don't have r@pists) to the injuries that have occurred to the Bucs. Of course it would be bad if all your star players got hurt. Terry Glenn was a significant injury last year, nobody stepped up as a solid #2 for the 'boys. The 'boys are still weak in depth at the WR position.
Cleat size and wet fields are crucial to injuries. Groin injuries are usually the result of slipping on the field. A slight twist and slip can result in a strained knee or any muscle in the leg. I've been on the trainers table getting taped and conversating. The usual concern is the field conditions. With multiple injuries for the team, the field conditions are usually the main concern. Remember the canceled preseason game in Baltimore? Why? Field conditions. Canceling practice and not even doing light drills tells me there is concerns with the field conditions.