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Garcia's Status Unclear

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By ROY CUMMINGS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia said his aching back was feeling better Tuesday, but he still wasn't feeling well enough to throw a football, so his status for Sunday's game at New Orleans remains in doubt.

"I'm feeling a little better today; I'm taking some better steps today than yesterday, but I'm not at a point now where I can even throw the ball yet," Garcia said during his weekly radio call-in segment on WDAE, 620 AM.

When asked if he would be able to play Sunday, Garcia said "I still can't say that. I hope to be out there and do my thing, but that's going to be coach's decision.

"I was definitely feeling a lot better today when I woke up this morning. That was a positive sign right there. If I can take care of myself physically, I'll be able to go out there and do what I need to do."

Garcia said he still is receiving treatment on his back, which he injured during the first play of the Bucs game this past Sunday against Washington at Raymond James Stadium.

Garcia returned late in the game but was ineffective. He said he does not believe he will be ready to practice today, so it appears the Bucs will spend the week preparing a reserve to start in his place.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden refused to say Monday whether he would start second-year pro Bruce Gradkowski or fourth-year pro Luke McCown should Garcia be unable to start.

Gradkowski replaced Garcia on Sunday but was ineffective. He completed just nine of 19 throws for 106 yards and did not lead the Bucs to a first down in the second half.

That performance resulted in Garcia returning to the game in the fourth quarter. Garcia was ineffective as well, forcing the Bucs to rely on their defense to pull out a 19-13 victory.

Williams' Season Ends With Torn Muscle FORT LAUDERDALE - After nearly two years out of the NFL, it took running back Ricky Williams six carries and less than half a game to halt his comeback Monday night. A torn muscle in Williams' chest has ended his season, according to his agent.
Steinberg said a pectoral muscle came away from the bone, and Williams will need four to six weeks in a sling. After that, the rehabilitation will take approximately five months.

RICE RELEASED: Defensive end Simeon Rice, signed two weeks ago to fill in for injured Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, was released by the Indianapolis Colts.

VICK TRIAL SET: A Virginia judge scheduled an April 2 trial date for jailed Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on two state felony dogfighting charges.

CHIEFS: Signed 20-year veteran placekicker John Carney, 43.

JAGUARS: Signed former Bucs linebacker Marquis Cooper, released linebacker Jorge Cordova, and moved rookie defensive end Brian Smith to injured reserve.

PANTHERS: Guard Jeremy Bridges was found guilty of pointing a gun at a woman in a parking lot and was given a 60-day suspended jail sentence.

Information from Tribune wires was used in this report.

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