Simms makes debut: six plays and out

By JOANNE KORTH
Published August 26, 2007

MIAMI - Quarterback Chris Simms made his preseason debut Saturday night.

Finally.

Playing in a game for the first time since an emergency splenectomy 11 months ago, Simms came in for one, six-play series midway through the third quarter.

"It was great to be back in there, just to take a hit and get to drop back and throw a few," Simms said. "It wasn't the most productive night, but it was good just to be out there."

The fifth-year pro has struggled to regain his throwing rhythm and is in danger of being released.

"Physically, I'm fine," he said. "I can take a hit. I can run around, lift weights, all that stuff. But as far as throwing the ball, I'm nowhere near 100 percent yet. I'm definitely not. But it's getting better week by week."

Playing with the third-team offense, Simms handed off three straight times to running back Earnest Graham, who gained 7, 2 and 11 yards to pick up a first down.

Simms' first pass, a short throw over the middle, was on target but dropped by tight end Keith Heinrich.

After a gain of 2 by Graham, Simms was flushed from the pocket on third and 8. He scrambled forward and flipped the ball ahead to Graham but was across the line of scrimmage when he let it go, making it an illegal forward pass. The loss-of-down penalty ended the possession.

Coach Jon Gruden told Simms before the game that he likely would play one series.

"He just wanted to get me out there and, in his words, smell the huddle again," Simms said "I smelled it. And it smelled just like I remembered."

LIKE OLD TIMES: With receiver David Boston on the sideline for much of the first half, former first-round pick Michael Clayton had plenty of action. He caught two passes for 24 yards, including a 23-yarder on which most of the gain came after the catch.

"You like to get in there and see the ball and throw a few blocks," Clayton said. "I feel lively, like a new me."

Clayton's long play came after he had an opportunity stolen by a defender on a slant pass from backup Luke McCown.

"He got his hand on it and made a good play," Clayton said. "But you get back in there and move on. Opportunity comes and you have to shine. I was able to get open and make a little move and get down the sideline a little."

TRUEBLOOD HURT? Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood did not play as deep into the game as the rest of the starting line.

Gruden indicated the second-year player is hurt, but Trueblood watched from the sideline and said afterward that he is fine.

It's possible Trueblood was benched. He has given up a few sacks in the preseason. Shortly before he was replaced by Donald Penn, Trueblood and guard Davin Joseph blocked the same defender.

INJURY UPDATE: Tight end Alex Smith left with a left ankle injury. Wearing a protective boot after the game, Smith said he has a bone bruise and tweaked his left knee as well. Guard Arron Sears ankle, defensive back Tanard Jackson (hamstring) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (hand) did not play.

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.

[Last modified August 26, 2007, 01:03:32]