Pinkie problem for Jeff Garcia

This doesn't qualify as stop-the-presses news, but it's something to keep in mind on Sunday.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia has a jammed pinkie finger on his right (throwing) hand, something that could potentially make handling the ball a bit tricky for a veteran already coming off a calf strain.

Coach Jon Gruden said the injury shouldn't affect Garcia and that his appearance on today's injury report is just an effort to comply with the league's stringent new injury-reporting guidelines. Teams are required to list any injury that exists, even if a player is able to participate fully in practice.

"I think he's had that for a couple days," Gruden said. "I don't foresee it being serious."

Elsewhere, the Bucs appear pretty healthy outside of Davin Joseph, who has a broken right foot.

One of the few remaining questions is which players will be inactive on game day, when NFL teams are permitted to dress just 45 of their 53 players on the active roster. You also can designate an inactive (third) quarterback.

One position to watch is receiver, where the Bucs are a bit heavy with six players. Dexter Jackson will return punts and kicks, according to Gruden, so it remains to be seen which, if any, of the receivers will be inactive. There's a chance it could be Ike Hilliard given the fact Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall are heavily involved on special teams.

Gruden said the team is still in the process of deciding its inactives, so we likely won't know until just before kickoff on Sunday.

Comments

[Turk]

Stephen, I'm really wondering about the fullback/tailback equation against NO. What are your predictions as to who we'll go with there if you don't mind sharing?

[rod]

suck it up old man

[Erick]

Just PLEASE don't deactivate Bennett. We need to get him the ball, even if he is the 3rd back.

[george c. costanza]

"This is further evidence regarding why professional soccer teams are a better investment than American-style football. You can't use your pinky finger in soccer, unless you're stationed as the goalie, thus fewer game-changing injuries are likely to happen, leading to a better bottom line, in my view."
-- Malcolm "The Dude" Glazer

[CW]

Garcia's going to be on IR by week 4...this is not good. He's been banged up since last year. Maybe they should keep him in a glass case during the week and just take him out on Sundays.

[Adam]

I am honestly starting to believe that Brian Griese might be a better fit for this offense than Jeff Garcia.

[killer]

boo hoo,suck it up Garica,you make millions,I go to work sick,hurt,tired and sometimes with a sore pinkey for alot less

[Dave]

It's news when he's not hurt.

[steve]

Garcia will not complete the season, Bucs fans....too little and old....

[Petunias and Daisies]

Jeffie is REAL tough!

[Ferd]

All the fair weather Buc fans better hope they can keep Garcia taped together, because non of the other QBs
on the roster can carry his jock. Brian Griese??????? Give me a break!

[Super Macho Man]

Ferd ryhmes with turd. Coincidence? I think not.

[STIXX]

Garcia will be fine. Although he is a bit long in the tooth...

[STIXX]

LOL GOOD ONE....FERD....HAH!!

[usfbull93]

Aww...poor baby!! LOL

[DMS]

Yo Gruden, if Garcia can't go, proven commodities like Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe are still on the market. Might as well look up Warren Moon as well. Just sayin'...

[Rodger]

This is the reason he didnt get anymore money, you dont give a washed up has been more money. proof is in the pinky.

[STIXX]

Garcia is a good QB. I think he`s better than half the other starters in the NFL, right? You know it`s true. Imagine us with Flacco or Alex smith. So I`m just saying! Has anyone heard from DR today? Usually he`s here bashing the BUCS. He`s funny.........

[STIXX]

C`mon gang, you know GARCIA is better than half the other QB`s in the NFL. Imagine us with ALEX SMITH or HARRINGTON!!

[JOEY HARRINGTON]

Yeah whatever STIXX. I`M better than 3 GARCIAS with a crappy pinkie.

[bobbyd]

Bucs 20 New Orleans 17
Unless Bryant shanks a field goal.

[Otis]

Let's just start McCown and get vertical with our new found speed (Jackson, Bryant)and Galloway of course. Tired of the dink and dunk.

[Ferd]

Come on Super Macho Man are you still upset about that thing with your Mom.

[Tex Mex]

Garcia is going to be rusty for sure. I do not expect a high flying game because he and Gruden will probably play conservatively. Who needs a pinky anyway. Just cut it off.

[Tex Mex]

I think DR caght his donkey. We will not hear from him for a while.

[john]

Anybody who thinks that this pinky is a problem or that pick 6 gresie should be starting is a freakin idiot!

[Super Macho Man]

Ferd....no, I'm still upset with your mom. The tramp gave me crabs!

[vince]

Garcia needs to play more with his head, and less with his emotions. He needs to protect his body first, and then advance the football. He really needs a great season out of the Tight End corps to act as a pressure release valve for both the Run game and the Anti Blitz attack.

[Kurt]

For all of you Griese haters, I'd like to shed a little light on your dismal lack of insight: Experienced signal caller with knowledge of the Buccaneers offensive system… Career passer rating of 83.6 ranks 21st in NFL history… Career totals include; 1,642 completions on 2,612 attempts for 18,367 passing yards, 114 touchdowns and 92 interceptions… Has also rushed 233 times for 583 yards and five touchdowns… Has played in 88 career games with 78 starts… 42-36 career record as a starter in 10 NFL seasons with one passer rating title (2000) and one Pro Bowl selection (2000). Please do your homework before stating blatently stupid comments.

[JP]

'He needs to protect his body first, and then advance the football.'
...what we have here, gentlemen, boiled down to its essence, is the quarterbacking philosophy of Rick Mirer.
I thought you were dead, Rick.

[jay]

lets lose every game so the migget little jon gets FIRED!

[john]

Jay your a dumbass!Shut UP!

[King]

We are blessed to have TWO of the better quarterbacks that are versed in a West Coast offense...which IS dink and dunk. Its designed to wear down a defense and run up the clock with the occasional shot down the field. Something that neither of these 2 are great at is the deep ball. But they know how to manage a game well, and thats something that a good amount of the QB's out there are not able to accomplish on a consistant basis.

I cant believe some of you guys are whining this much before the first play of the season has been snapped. Sheesh.

[DR]

Kurt, are you a republican? You slant Griese's stats so much, it amazes me. You forget to mention that Griese has never played a full season in his career, he's brittle, like Garcia. What does a QB Ratings leader mean when you only play 10 games, not much. Griese is a solid #2 QB, especialy in this cruddy system gruden runs, but lets not go over board with his abilities.

[Kurt]

The answer would be Independent ever since I was 18. It's where the smart people go. Furthermore, I am just stating the facts DR, that's all. You know I don't play in the gray. He's had 2 season ending injuries (one of which was a blatent helmet to knee by Z. Thomas.) He has proven his worth in this system and that's all I care about. You call it a cruddy system, but Gannon sure made it effective and so did Griese during his last tenure. Those are just facts DR.

[Tex Mex]

Look, Greise is every bit as good as Brad Johnson was. He is a very similar kind of quarterback - pocket presence, conservative passing, steady with momentary lapses, not that quick. If we could win a superbowl with Johnson, we can do pretty well with Greise. IF the rest of the team, namely the defense does what they need to do. And I think we should have a very good D again this year.

Garcia, everyone seems to forget he was the spark that turned this team from a DR team projected at 4-10 to a playoff team. Yes he gets hurt, so do all of our QBs. This is less of a QB durability issue as it is an O-Line issue. If our new and improved O-Line stays healthy and plays like it could, our QBs will not be getting pummeled all the time.

DR, the only thing I can agree on with you (and yes this hurts) is that Gruden's offense is smoke and mirrors, too complex for most of the players to master, focused on finesse disguaises to run largely the same plays. He has FINALLY embraced the shotgun (in limited fashion) and may use some plays like end arounds in the real season, which shows hope for progress. But histroically, it has been a feckless offense.

[Al Gore]

Anyone heard anything about the ex buc "hostage" Chrissy Simms? Hey Rick, how 'boutcha? hahahahahaha, dud QB cried on your shoulder, and you sucked it all up, and now the silence is deafening. You don't care about Chrissy anymore?

[Tex Mex]

I think I was too flattering to DR in that last post, so I feel compelled to say.....

SSSSPPPPPHHHHLLLLTTTT! Here Donkey, Here Donkey.

DR, I saw that a Gorilla died in the Dallas zoo yesterday. You were notably absent yesterday, so I thinking you could not find your donkey and went for the gorilla. Your an ANIMAL!!!!

[Big D!ck Cheney]

Kurt you ignorant Sl*t! How can you be an Independent? Pick a side whoosie! Either join the girly Liberals or the manly conservatives. We don't like you tweeners, you think too clearly. Tweeners are not tribalists like we Republicans.

[Turk]

Stephen, if you are around amid all this stupid bestiality talk, DR bashing and moronic non football talk, would you get back to me on what the Bucs are thinking about doing re: the fullback/tailback equation for the NO game? Real curious who they are planning to play. And like Eric I am really hoping Bennett gets some playing time. He looked great in pre season.

[Turk]

One other thing. Tex Mex, whoever or whatever you are, I think I'm not alone in wishing that you would go elsewhere. Your filthy mind and words are getting old. One would have to wonder if YOU are the one with a sexual interest in animals, not DR.

I don't agree with all he says either but at least he handles himself like a man. Grow up or go elsewhere. Not that you will but I do feel better for having said it.

[Jeff]

garcia is such a puss.

[John]

If brian greise has to play at all were screwed.He will throw 6 great passes then a pick 6 he sucks even as a back up.If garcia gets hurt we should play josh johnson because greise cant win!

[JGardner]

Turk, Speak for yourself I find it funny. If you think your boring dialog is entertaining, interesting or insightful, your as dumb as your comments. You appear to be one tender guy.

[Tex Mex]

Turk,

Who asked you? Like I am the only one with a foul mouth on this blog. I will tone it down - just for you, especially now that your feeling better. You may want to go visit that Dr. Angry guy.

[Tex Mex]

Turk, why do yo always ask questions when no one EVER responds?

[Vince]

JP, Thanks for the Rick Mirer reference, although I don't agree. What I meant about Garcia protecting his body is that he plays with absolutely NO regard for his health, he dives head first, he takes on defenders head on, and he isn't afraid of collisions, he is even quoted as relishing them! Hence, he is always getting injured, and when he's injured, the team loses most of the time! A healthy Garcia, is a powerful Garcia, and ergo a powerful Bucs offense! You don't see Manning and Brady getting into the mix, in fact Brady hates to be TOUCHED! While no one wants Rick Mirer type play, I think Garcia could take a lesson from Brady and Manning regarding efforts to stay in one piece, not only for his benefit, but in the interest of the team! -GO TAMPA!