Simms to make call on throwing

The Bucs will allow Chris Simms to decide when he feels well enough to resume throwing more passes in team drills.

By RICK STROUD
Published August 2, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA -The Bucs will allow Chris Simms to decide when he feels well enough to resume throwing more passes in team drills.

Simms is cleared by trainers to do everything in practice, but a sore throwing elbow has limited his participation.

"I'm more concerned about him getting healthy," coach Jon Gruden said Wednesday. "He's probably going through a lot, and I've given him his chance to let us know when he really feels good and hopefully it's tomorrow or the next day."

Simms, 27, is struggling to regain his form since having surgery to remove his spleen in September. He is suffering from symptoms similar to those of proprioception, a kinesthetic sixth sense that allows you to know the position of your arms and legs in relation to your body.

Gruden said he has sympathy for what Simms is experiencing.

"Yeah, I love Chris and I've said that," he said. "He's been here four or five years and we've invested a lot of time together."

With Simms out, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski have taken the majority reps behind starter Jeff Garcia. Gruden wouldn't predict how much time Simms can afford to miss before it affects his chance of making the team.

"I'm not a forecaster that way," Gruden said. "I've been through so much with the quarterback position since I've been here. If you're not able to go, we're going with these guys and if these guys takes advantage of the reps, that's just the way it is. We need him to get back our here. We think he has promise and talent and right now, he's just not able to take the bull by the horns."

ADAMS INJURED: The Bucs don't mind giving veterans a day off now and then during training camp.

Gaines Adams isn't one of them.

The rookie first-round pick was held out of Wednesday's practice with a strained triceps. Gruden said the injury is not considered serious and Adams is day to day. But considering the spotlight that's on Adams, especially with the release of Simeon Rice, any bump or bruise is cause for concern.

"Guys do get in big piles," Gruden said. "We could probably have Gaines practice today. But according to the doctors and trainers, they felt maybe a day or two off would help him.

"Get back out there, Gaines. There will be a lot in store for you."

Adams, who signed a six-year, $46-million contract last week, has drawn mostly raves from coaches for his pass rushing. Ultimately, his success will be measured in sacks.

But it's not just quarterbacks who will be feeling pressure.

"Of course there's pressure. There are going to be some that sit there and count sacks," Gruden said. "As a rookie player, our goal is for him to continue to improve. We think he has natural pass-rushing ability but there's a lot more than just rushing the passer. You've got to be able to play the run, you've got to be able to play situational football. We'll check his stamina. Can he play hurt? Can he do those things the great players do? There's a lot of pressure on you when you're the first-round pick.

Adams isn't the only player who missed Wednesday morning's workout. Left tackle Luke Petitgout was held out of practice for the second straight day. Gruden would say only that Petitgout's body was sore and he would return today.

"We did a lot a research into his New York Giants days," Gruden said. "He's played a long time. Training camp is a long time. We feel good about Petitgout and for the time being, it's a good opportunity for us to look at Donald Penn, who's doing some good things, and certainly Anthony Davis."

Also given a day off were defensive tackles Ellis Wyms and Ryan Sims and cornerback Phillip Buchanon.

[Last modified August 1, 2007, 22:58:28]