Garcia's status remains unchanged

QB Jeff Garcia's status remained the same today, with coach Jon Gruden saying the starter was limited again in today's morning practice, leaving him questionable for Sunday's game at Atlanta.

Garcia participated on a limited basis in the workout, but Gruden admitted he did very little.

Meanwhile, Brian Griese was back to a full participation level for the first time and will be considered for playing time if Garcia can't play. Luke McCown is the expected starter if Garcia is out.

Garcia hasn't been ruled out, and Gruden is leaving open the possibility that he can play despite his relative inactivity in practice this week.

"He didn't do a lot. He was limited," Gruden said. "But after talking to the trainers and after talking to Jeff, we think he's got a chance to play."

The Bucs are similarly hopeful about DTs Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan. Both are suffering from knee injuries and are listed as questionable. Neither was able to participate fully in Friday's practice.

Comments

[Nick Smith]

I like Jeff Garcia but its apparent we need a more durable quarterback as our starter. Two years in a row he has missed critical games late in the year and played terribly because he was hurt in our only playoff game. When you think of the consecutive starts Brett Favre has put together you wonder why we can't have a quarterback that can at least make it through December. Please Jon and Bruce find us a quality free agent quarterback in the offseason. One who can play in December and not flame out in the Playoffs.

[James]

If McCown can poise himself in the pocket and progress past the primary receiver then right away he'll pose a greater threat to Atlanta's suspect secondary than Happy Feet ever would.

I see this as a blessing in disguise. Maybe... considering the defense has to have thier best game since Super Bowl XXXVII to prove to us that last week was just a fluke.

Basically, it doesn't matter who's playing QB for us, our defense needs to win this game for us. Period.

[Valrico Rick]

What's not to like about Garcia? He jumps up and down in the pocket like he's on fire, darts one way, darts the other way then throws a 4 yard dump pass on 3rd and 10. Yeah you just gotta love the guy!

[Erick]

Maybe someday I'll figure out why some people get on this thing and bash the team week after week...or maybe I won't.

Anyway. Garcia has happy feet but he doesn't turn the ball over. Wouldn't mind some more explosion on offense but it could be a lot worse....Gradkowski, Griese, Simms. Stick with Garcia and make McCown the future, he has a lot of upside.

The games the Bucs have lost this year haven't been Garcia's fault. That said, he is not the future and the Bucs need to start planning accordingly, and that is not another over-thirty QB.

[shane]

remember the superbowl season when Brad went down? our back-up came in and performed admirably in his place. Then when brad came back he was on fire and even the commentators for the SB said so and if you don't believe me just re watch that entire game

[IdahoBUCfan]

Valrico Wreck can't say one single positive thing about our BUCS,I suggest that he find a suitable place to type, away from Real BUC fans who are smart enough to know how many other teams would Love to have our record, and our COACH! GO BUCS!

[Leo In Canada]

Griese was brought in to be both a backup and competition for Garcia. If he can play and Garcia can't, I believe Griese will be in there.

[Miami Vex]

On the lighter side isnt it nice to see the Packers done . We really need this win hopefully who ever plays at Q.B. They will get the job done... Now more than ever we need our Defense to get er done

[Big Pat]

Erick, unfortunately some people are just douschebags. VR is a classic example. He spews inane drivel in an effort to be clever and feel better about his own circumstances. He only succeeds in displaying his "not so fresh" status to the rest of us.

[TriplePlay]

The web says McCown and Griese are the same height but McCown looks taller. Luke has shown that he throws the best ball deep and maybe that will play in today's game. I hope we a Bryant/Galloway threat and go often. I'd love to see this offense finally give the defense a day off.

Unfortunately, the Falcons are going to jam the ball down our throats - I hope Monte has had time to scheme these guys to shut the run down. Very early we need a Gaines Adams or Greg White Hammer sack on Ryan. That will keep him skittish all day.