Garcia's taking it slow

Jeff Garcia participated in about half of the Bucs' outdoor workout this afternoon, taking part in a couple of passing drills but skipping the full-squad portion.

He presumably spent that time getting rest and treatment on his right calf muscle, which he strained 11 days ago. But don't look for Garcia to suit up against the Patriots on Sunday night. He said it's more likely he gets back under center the following week, against Jacksonville on Aug. 23.

Also back in action today was fullback B.J. Askew, whose foot injury kept him out of action against the Dolphins.

Regarding the ups and downs of the past week, during which the Brett Favre drama played out and Garcia's status was clouded, he said, "We were able to win a lot games last year and we could have won some more games. But we were able to win the division. We want to build on what we were able to do last year. I think with me at the quarterback position, growing and getting more comfortable and getting better, I think I can help this team do some good things."

Asked whether he had any hard feelings, a sarcastic Garcia said, "I'm just a journeyman, according to some people. Why should I have any hard feelings? I'm just thankful to have this job. I might pay Bruce (Allen) and Jon (Gruden) for bringing me back out here. What am I going to say? This business has two sides. It's obviously a game for all those who play on the field and love to play the game. But there is a business side, too. Part of teams trying to reach that championship position is trying to strengthen their team. Whether they felt like that was strengthening or not – as much as I believe I can a strong point for this team – that's what they had to look into. So be it."

Comments

[Jay]

Any word on Lorenzo Neal? I know he stopped by, but there was no deal made. I'd love to see him play for the Bucs again.

[george]

last week he was dead man walking to quote garcia.
now he can take it slow.
real slow.
he no longer hears brett's footsteps
coming up from behind him to compete
for the starting job.

[JScott]

Think Gruden will toss up the QB Rotation this week?

[DR]

Gotta be concerned about his slow recovery from a mild injury. He won't be playing 16 games for sure.
And don't even think that other guy would be any better. The Tampa O-line has weaknesses. They practically laid out a red carpet for the defense in a couple of games last year. That other guy's record for most games started in a row should have an asterisk next to it. That guy murdered his team playing in 05-06. He had no business starting the last 4 games in those years.

[Stephen_Holder]

I'd be more concerned about a certain wide receiver who hasn't practiced yet (cough, Galloway, cough). But I understand the doubts about Garcia, too.

[Adam]

Hey Stephen... Galloway on the bench is still more productive than a healthy Michael Clayton.

[TheLastWalshPick]

Hang in there Jeff, you'll get your respect somehow, your toughness and your spirit wins games.

We will always remember your greatest comeback in history almost gave us a heart attack it was so exciting.

We believe in you the same way Bill Walsh did. We know he's so proud of you, the way your running his system and taking other teams to the playoffs.

He knew before anybody else did that you were destined for great things in football. Especially in that East-West Shrine Game in your college days.

Show the Bucs what your made of Jeff.

Fans from San Francisco now Die-Hard Bucs Fans!!!!

TAKE THEM TO THE SUPER BOWL Jeff!!!!!!!!

[Jay]

Stephen, any word on how Antonio Bryant is coming along? I don't see Galloway making the whole season, and the way Clayton keeps dropping key passes, I don't think Gruden is going to move him outside. Stovall and Warren are also slot receiver types who will have to battle Hilliard for playing time, so that leaves Bryant, Spurlock and "Not the SuperBowl MVP" Dexter Jackson to challenge for the spot. What are we looking at for that position?

[tradewinds loser boy moser]

the bucs would have been better with favre

[DR]

True, Galloway's injury is a bigger concern, especially being a groin which could be a season long nagging injury. Clayton needs to step up and live up to his potential. Garcia needs a big target to throw to.

[BucsFan]

tradewinds loser boy moser JUST grow up.

wasting a 2nd or 3rd pick for favre to take us to the 2nd round is not worth it.

gacia will do that and even more.

[jeff chick]

chris henrey is out their?

[Yoshi]

Man. I almost shed a tear with that little speech TheLastWalshPick made. I feel inspired lol. All i can say is that Galloway and Garcia need to get healthy. They've been beating around the bush so long that now the injuries are causing concern. How bad are they really? If Galloway is not ready come game time, stovall and mike are gonna have to step up to the plate. We already know what michael is capable of. Its just a matter of doing it again. Stovall is also coming along. Hopefully he can have that breakout year every one talks about. If Garcia goes down hopefully Griese can reproduce his good year in tampa. I guess we just have to wait and see.

[TheLastWalshPick]

Thanks Yoshi, It's nice to feel the support of real football fans, that believe in Jeff's abilities, most of the time when he does get hurt on the field it's because he's trying to win.

He doesn't slide on his butt, like Farve to avoid the hit. Jeff dives in head first. Like a true football player.

[conman5669]

Agree with you DR, Garcia is soft. Sure he's old, and an accurate passer, but ten days for a calf strain? never heard of that in my life. The practice time missed will hurt, for his endurance (which is already a question mark). Hope to get at least 8 games from Garcia and Galloway, if they win 8 and get two more wins from Griese and the other WR's, still looking okay in the division. As long as the division games are won.

[Chris]

Yeah, no question. Favre threw a little more than twice the TDs as Garcia last year, but almost 4 times the INTs. ( 3 of garcias 4 were against Jacksonville.)

Remember who we won the SB with? This is a defensive team.
We need a conservative guy at QB who can make the throws he needs to and not loose us the game.

[George L Hicks]

Well this is another Fan saying I told you so. Remember this year draft. Look at the first 5 rounds. In Rd -1 we could had our choices of WR,QB and CB. I think that we could have had Brett Farve, The Bucs should have bombaried Farve Agents and Say, What would GB want. Can you Imagine what Fans in Tampa in fact the hold State of Florida.We would be co-favioret with Dallas to go to the super bowl that will be held in Tampa this year. I think that wr from Appl St could have been gotten in Round 5 or 6. Now we have a undrafted rookie who could be challenging the KR job. I hope they do good, But with Garcia upset about the present salary. Is He gonna to give 100% effort when the chips are down.

[Drew]

Garcia: Jon, with respect to our conversation the other day pertaining to the BONUS. Have you re-considered honoring it.

Jon: Jeff, discussed it with Bruce and the Glazers and it's just not going to happen. The consensus is, you need to keep quiet and honor the contract you signed.

Jeff: Alright Jon, time to go in for my reps.

Jeff: Slant right 30, dirty post on 3.

Jeff: @$#^, pulled my calf muscle.

Jeff: Jon, it hurts like hell. I'll probably be out for 10-11 days. And when I heal I'm likely to play like #$^% for the remainder of the pre-season and this may roll into the regular season.

Jon: Jeff, you know the BONUS and long term contract we discussed?

Jeff: Yes.

Jon: Bruce and the Glazers called and indicated they'll re-consider based on performance.

Jeff: Jon, you must think I was born yesterday, that I'd fall for that BS.

Jon: Well you can't blame me for trying.

Jon: Bruce call the Jets and see if a trade for Brett can be worked out.

Jon: Chris, get over here we need to talk.

[Bruce Allen]

Bet you wish we made an offer now. Not that we did think about making an offer.

[Brett Farve]

Garcia is playing hard to get. Gruden did not get his dream date to the prom (me of course), now he has to work for his number two. Make him work for that stuff Jeff. Shake it slowwwwww and easyyyyyyy.

[Tom]

Do any of you guys think Garcia will make it through the month of September? Be honest.

[Mitch]

The Bucs? Yawn...who cares?

This is the Rays year! Let's focus on a pennant race. GO RAYS!!!!!

[TheLastWalshPick]

Tom, I'd rather have an injured Jeff, than a healthy Chris Simms.

Garcia will still play better. And he has. In the playoffs, Niners against Packers. He played with two cracked ribs. There ain't enough painkillers to quelsh that pain.

And he was one play away of almost beating a healthy Farve.

[tradewinds loser boy moser]

garcia is a true prima donna

Once again we have a QB dilemma. Gruden is not an inspiring coach to his most important position. Garcia is going to get hurt right away. McCowan, Simms, and Griese have all been put through his BS, and still we have no QB. When are the Glaziers going to figure out that Gruden is a moron. He won the Super Bowl against his former team. BFD!! he knew their weaknesses and therefore he won with a team already primed for the Super Bowl. I look forward to a season when Gruden is gone. BA-BYE!!