Bucs/NFL

Third QB not definite

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published September 28, 2006

TAMPA - Despite the effort the Bucs are expending scouring the country for quarterbacks, there remains a chance they won't acquire one in the wake of Chris Simms' possibly season-ending injury.

General manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden said Wednesday that it is possible the team will go into its next game, at New Orleans on Oct. 8, with only two quarterbacks, Bruce Gradkowski and Tim Rattay.

Though the personnel department worked out six quarterbacks Tuesday and evaluated others earlier in the season, Allen said the team doesn't feel extreme pressure to add another quarterback largely because he expects backup Luke McCown to return from an offseason knee injury in the coming weeks.

"We're actually fortunate in one aspect in that Luke McCown is going to be ready in a couple games, and that gives us a great option," Allen said.

Numerous teams are carrying only two quarterbacks in order to allow depth at other positions.

The makeup of the roster is a concern for the Bucs if they intend to keep Simms on the active roster or put him on injured reserve, which would prevent him from returning this season.

"We're going to look at it and give him every consideration that he's earned before we make the decision," Allen said.

CADDY OKAY? There has been speculation about the condition of running back Cadillac Williams, but Williams reiterated Wednesday that he is healthy and his back is not a problem.

"I've been hearing a lot of talk," Williams said. "(Trainer Todd Toriscelli) came to me and said (people) are speculating that my back is really jacked up. Like I told Todd, I don't even go to treatment anymore for my back. I don't know where (people) get off saying my back is really messed up. The yards are not there, but I go out there and carry the ball 19 times (against Carolina). I'm practicing. I don't understand."

The rumors began after Williams' Week 1 struggles with back spasms and have persisted with his inability to return to his form of 2005.

INJURY UPDATE: Cornerback Brian Kelly (toe) practiced Wednesday for the first time in more than a week and has a chance to play against New Orleans, Gruden said. Linebacker Ryan Nece (knee), who missed Sunday's game, remains questionable and is "limited," Gruden said.

- STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times staff writer

[Last modified September 28, 2006, 05:50:57]