Griese, Simms getting ready

By ROGER MILLS, JOANNE KORTH
Published November 19, 2004

TAMPA - With the news that the team has lost defensive tackle Anthony McFarland for the season, the Bucs could use a little positive mojo.

Well, there's good news for the passing game.

Starting quarterback Brian Griese , who missed the bulk of practice Wednesday with a sore right shoulder, returned to limited work Thursday.

"He threw the ball well, moved around well and is feeling a bit better," coach Jon Gruden said. "He's feeling better and better every day and those are good signs."

Backup Chris Simms , who has been limited while rehabbing his bruised left shoulder, also took part in increased drills Thursday and appears ready to be the No.2 or the starter if Griese is slowed.

The Bucs have not announced whether Simms or former starter Brad Johnson will be the No.2.

"(Chris) took some more reps and Brad took some turns," Gruden said. "I know Chris is coming off a serious injury and with Brian's situation, obviously we've got to get three guys ready to play. He's making some progress. He needs to work. When you're inactive for five or six weeks, it's not a real good thing for a quarterback in midseason."

COUNT ON MR. SMITH: Free safety Jermaine Phillips may be out indefinitely, but strong safety Dwight Smith said he will play Sunday, regardless of his sore left knee.

"You'll have to amputate my leg for me not to play," Smith said. "I hurt the wheel up in the Oakland game but I can't leave my team like that. I pride myself on that."

Smith is listed as probable. If he does not play, the Bucs will go into Sunday's game with fourth-year safety John Howell and rookie Will Allen the likely starters. Veteran Dexter Jackson , the former Super Bowl MVP who joined the Bucs on Wednesday, will also factor in the rotation.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to help the team in any way that I can," said Howell, who has been a backup for most of his career. "No better defense in the world to be on than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I'm just excited."

f,8.5,ux0 NO EASY WINS: San Francisco is 1-8, but the last thing the Bucs can afford is to count Sunday's game in the win column.

"That makes them really dangerous," Bucs defensive end Greg Spires said. "They have (everybody) thinking they have nothing to lose, then we go out and take them for granted and they beat us. We are not thinking this is going to be an easy game."

Gruden said there are no gimmes in the NFL.

"It doesn't matter who you beat or who you lose against, it's a great accomplishment any time you win and a terrible feeling when you lose," Gruden said. "The 49ers aren't 1-8, not in the film I've seen. We respect them tremendously."

HERE THEY COME: After giving up seven sacks against the Falcons, the Bucs can expect a heavy dose of blitzes from the 49ers defense, which plays an aggressive, high-risk style.

"We have to be ready for all kinds of situations, blitzing, trying to get pressure," Griese said. "We're going to prepare for whatever they have and continue to execute our offense. We don't need to worry so much about what the 49ers do. We just need to be shored up and positive about what we're going to do."

THE BRIGHT SIDE: McFarland is the 12th player put on injured reserve by the Bucs this season.

"It's been rough," Gruden said. "Fortunately, I've remained healthy."

INJURY UPDATE: Fullback Mike Alstott (right knee sprain) has been updated to probable and likely will play on Sunday.

[Last modified November 18, 2004, 23:59:17]