By RICK STROUD, JOANNE KORTH
Published August 13, 2004
LAKE BUENA VISTA - Chris Simms will be the No. 2 quarterback for the Bucs Saturday against the Bengals.
But that designation will last one game.
The Bucs plan to alternate Simms and Brian Griese as the backup to starter Brad Johnson. Griese will serve as the No. 2 quarterback next week in Jacksonville.
That's the prearranged formula that coach Jon Gruden will use to determine the backup quarterback.
"We do have a formula that we're going to stay by throughout training camp," Gruden said Thursday. "We'll make the decision of who the quarterback is for the opening (regular season) game prior to the Redskin game."
According to Gruden, the battle for No. 2 will not end with the kickoff to the regular season. He said it will be decided before each game.
"That's something that's not ever going to be permanent," Gruden said. "That's something that's going to be earned on a weekly basis. But again, we'll use the training camp preseason games as a big indicator for the way it should go."
CLAYTON SHINES: Who knows what rookie Michael Clayton will do against the Bengals. But if he plays the way he practices, look out.
Clayton made some highlight reel catches for touchdowns during a red zone drill Thursday that had the crowd buzzing. But Gruden still says the rookie has a lot to learn.
"He made a couple of great plays today, phenomenal plays," Gruden said. "He made some plays that hopefully he never makes again.
"That's been kind of Michael's 12-14 days of training camp. I think he's getting tired of me a little bit, but we're really encouraged by what he's done. It's just really exciting to see him make a big-time play and see Tim Brown go over there and congratulate him."
TWO-WAY RONDE: The Bucs planned to install some offensive plays for cornerback Ronde Barber this week, but intentions changed. The signing of Tim Brown, who is getting up to speed on Gruden's offense, took priority.
"We didn't get around to it," Barber said. "They're busy over there. When he gets a little more comfortable with what's going on over there, especially at the receiver position, we'll start working on it. Last year, the injuries to the secondary and everything was a bad situation. They couldn't afford to put me over there. He likes to have fun with it, I like to have fun with it. I can't wait until he does it."
WHAT A RELIEF: Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks can't stand being injured, but he is well enough to stand and watch practice. Brooks has a sprained knee and will not play Saturday. But he has been taking mental reps at practice.
Brooks said he isn't sure when he will be cleared to play.
"They've got a plan, and whenever I come in here in the morning, they give it to me for the day," Brooks said. "So I can't tell you. It's kind of day to day.
"You've always got to take advantage of your mental reps, therefore you can't lose your edge as far as your thinking goes. And I'm trying to help the young guys, MikeBrown and Marquise ( Cooper) and try to help them get better.
INJURY UPDATE: RB Charlie Garner did not practice to rest a sore hamstring. Tackle Derrick Deese (foot), guard Matt Stinchcomb (calf strain), guard Kerry Jenkins (ankle), Brooks (knee) and LB Jeff Gooch (foot) will not play Saturday.
