TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Injuries Mount for Bucs; Brooks' Ribs a Concern

Tribune file photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Derrick Brooks, who has never missed a game in his 14-year career, is questionable for Sunday's home game against San Diego.

ADVERTISEMENT

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 15, 2008

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' growing injury list now includes linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Brooks, who has never missed a game in his 14-year career, is questionable for Sunday's home game against San Diego after injuring his ribs during the Bucs' 13-10 overtime loss at Atlanta.

"We are concerned about him,'' Coach Jon Gruden said Monday. "I'll remain optimistic because of who we're talking about.''

Strong safety Jermaine Phillips is out for the season with a fractured forearm and the status of quarterback Jeff Garcia for Sunday's game remains uncertain because of a lower calf injury. Defensive tackles Chris Hovan and Jovan Haye both missed the Atlanta game due to knee injuries and defensive end Gaines Adams is nursing a hip-pointer.

"The injuries are mounting to say the least,'' Gruden said. "Let's be honest — that's the No. 1 concern.''

At 9-5, the Bucs still control their playoff destiny. If they beat the Chargers and Oakland Raiders at home in the next two weeks, they will secure at least an NFC wild-card berth, and another division title is not out of the question if Tampa Bay wins out.

"All I know is we've got to win,'' said Gruden, who labeled the Chargers as a dangerous team, despite a 6-8 record that has them on the brink of playoff elimination.

Gruden said the club will monitor Garcia's progress during the week to see whether he is healthy enough to resume his starter's role. He said Brian Griese did some positive things at the Georgia Dome, where 11 penalties helped derail Tampa Bay's chances of remaining one game behind Carolina in the division race.

"We had four false-start penalties,'' Gruden said, "and they were crucial penalties. They didn't come in a timely fashion, that's for sure.''

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT