Buccaneers QB Griese questionable for next week

Oct 6, 2008 - 6:13 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said Monday that quarterback Brian Griese is "questionable." Whether that is for next week's game or the rest of the season remains to be seen.

Griese suffered injuries to his throwing shoulder and elbow during Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Denver Broncos, forcing him from the game.

Jeff Garcia, who opened the season as a starter only to lose the job to Griese in Week Two, played well in relief, directing a late 90-yard touchdown drive.

Gruden, perhaps hoping to quell a budding quarterback controversy, said he will not make a decision on his starter for Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers until at least Wednesday.

"Right now, we're concerned about Griese's arm, and we're encouraged by Jeff's progress,'' Gruden said.

Griese was injured with 8:39 left in the third quarter when Denver cornerback Champ Bailey hit him with his helmet on a blitz.

"I took a helmet to the elbow and the swelling made it hard to grip the ball," Griese said after the game.

Although he threw three interceptions in each of the previous two games, Griese led the Buccaneers (3-2) to three straight victories after taking over for Garcia. Griese completed 13-of-19 passes for only 88 yards Sunday before being knocked out of the game.

Garcia, who was making his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in Tampa Bay's season-opening 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints, finished 13-of-17 for 93 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ike Hilliard.

"We're going to address the quarterback situation once we get all the facts," Gruden said. "Obviously, health is going to be an issue. I thought Jeff did do some good things yesterday. His health has been an issue, and his return to health is also something that we're excited about. We'll evaluate (Griese) today and let you know on Wednesday."

Gruden also listed linebacker Barrett Ruud, who sat out part of the second half in Denver with a knee injury, as questionable.

Ruud said Monday that he hopes to play against Carolina.

"It's a day-by-day thing, but I think I should be (able to play)," Ruud said. "It's sore. I'm sure it'll be sore for probably most of this week. But soreness I can deal with, it's the uncertainty that is tough. I think I should be fine."