Ailing Garcia unsure he'll be available

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published November 28, 2007

TAMPA - Quarterback Jeff Garcia, during a weekly segment on radio station 620-AM Tuesday morning, made it clear his bruised lower back could sideline him this weekend against the Saints.

Asked whether he would play at New Orleans, Garcia said, "I can't even really say that right now," though he said he had improved since the injury in Sunday's game against the Redskins.

But the progress has been limited. Garcia said he still can't throw a football because of the discomfort and lack of mobility. He also wasn't able to say if or when he might return to practice, though he could play without any practice time.

Garcia echoed coach Jon Gruden's sentiment, saying he planned to be smart about playing with the injury.

"I'm not going to put the organization or myself in a bad situation if I can't move," Garcia said.

QB question: The Bucs, as usual, were off Tuesday and return to practice today. It's not clear whether Bruce Gradkowski or Luke McCown will take the first-team snaps. Gruden said Monday the backup quarterback job will be re-evaluated and might result in the swapping of current No.2 Gradkowski and No.3 McCown.

[Last modified November 28, 2007, 00:19:06]