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Garcia, Brooks Likely To Play Sunday For Buccaneers

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden seemed optimistic today that LB Derrick Brooks (ribs) and QB Jeff Garcia (calf) will start against San Diego on Sunday in a must-win game for both teams.

Both players participated in practice and Gruden likes their chances to play.

"He [Brooks] looks well," Gruden said. "We'll get to the stadium and make sure everything is accurate, but it does appear our captain will be back. It's a credit to him."

This is what Gruden said about Garcia:

"I believe he'll be the starter," Gruden said. "What his strength and stamina is, I can't be a true judge of that today. I just know he's tough. He'll give everything he has. I do expect him to start the game. I know we'll need him."

Gruden will not give either player a final stamp of approval until pregame workouts on Sunday.

If Garcia is unable to start, or finish, the game, it appears Luke McCown will be next in line.

"We have two quarterbacks, and we have reps for the backups, and Luke has taken most of those," Gruden said. "If need be, he'll be ready to go."

Gruden also said he believes WR Joey Galloway will be activated this week, but gave no indication how active he will be in Tampa Bay's offense.

"Joey is probably going to be activated this week," Gruden said. "That's a good sign, but we do have some injuries, guys who need to step up. It's across the league. Certainly, it is here, too."

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