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Garcia Probably Out For Sunday

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Luke McCown, Jeff Garcia, Josh Johnson and Chris Simms watch Brian Griese run the offense at the Wednesday morning session.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 14, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Jeff Garcia was limited in Wednesday's practice and is not expected to play in Sunday's preseason home game against New England.

Garcia, who has not fully participated in 12 of Tampa Bay's 16 practices, is still recovering from a calf strain injury he suffered July 31. Garcia said he did not expect to play Sunday and Bucs coach Jon Gruden confirmed it.

"It's hard to imagine that at this point. It is Wednesday and he's not able to move around at full speed," Gruden said. "I'd like to see him start and finish a practice before we declare him ready to play."

Bucs backup QB Luke McCown likely will start Sunday, followed by Brian Griese, Chris Simms and Josh Johnson.

Trying To Make Tampa Home

Elbert Mack was not viewed as a top cornerback in April's draft. In fact, Mack was the second-best cornerback at Troy behind Leodis McKelvin, who was a first-round pick (11th overall) by Buffalo.

Mack was undrafted and signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay in May, and despite long-shot odds of making the team, he has become this year's biggest training camp surprise.

"I love everything he's doing," Bucs defensive backs coach Raheem Morris said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with more action in the preseason game. I can't say enough positive things about him. Coming in here as a free agent, he knows he's in an uphill battle. Swimming upstream in a river, but it is what it is."

Mack (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) agrees with Morris, but has been ready for this challenge since signing with Tampa.

"From Day One, I've said I'm coming in through the backdoor and I want to leave through the front," Mack said. "It's been a long journey so far and I want to continue making plays and trying to show the head coaches that I can play at this level."

Jack Of All Trades

Tampa Bay rookie Clifton Smith knows the best way for him to make the Bucs is to do everything.

Smith, a running back from Fresno State, made his presence known during last week's preseason game against Miami. He carried nine times for 28 yards, had three receptions for 12 yards, plus returned one punt 30 yards.

"He proved he could run, he can catch, he can block, return kicks," Bucs Coach Jon Gruden said. "He's learned this tremendously difficult offense. We're really happy with the ability he's put on tape. He didn't get nervous.

"He showed real poise. He's a football player. I tell you, he did well for himself."

Smith did well in college, finishing with 102 carries for 630 yards and five touchdowns, plus he returned 47 punts for 782 yards and five touchdowns in his career.

Caddy Remains Parked

Bucs RB Cadillac Williams has attended every training camp practice, but not at full capacity.

Williams spends most mornings with Todd Toriscelli, Tampa Bay's head athletic trainer, as he recovers from last year's knee injury.

Gruden said Williams had an outside chance of being ready for opening day, but is not anticipating it will happen.

"I've come out a couple of times and played defense and chased him down. He's worked to explode and cut," Gruden said. "He's really getting close. I can't tell you how excited we are about how far he's come in such a short period of time.

"You have to keep it in perspective, but we're going to be very smart here. I'm not going to do anything until the trainers give him the green light. Right now, we're still on yellow and we're still working hard."

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