Bucs QB Griese misses practice again

Oct 9, 2008 - 9:14 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Brian Griese missed practice again Thursday, increasing the likelihood that Jeff Garcia will start at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

While Bucs coach Jon Gruden said Griese may attempt to throw on Friday to test his ailing elbow and shoulder, he clearly was pleased by what he saw from Garcia in Thursday's practice.

"He had a good practice today. He took all the reps for the most part," Gruden said. "There's a certain functional ability that he has between the tackles, a creative element that he has. When he has it, you can tell he has it. And he had it today and I was really, really pleased with how he performed out there."

Garcia, who led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title last season, was demoted to third string after suffering an ankle injury in the season-opening loss to New Orleans.

However, he came on in relief last Sunday when Griese left in the third quarter with a bruised elbow and a right shoulder strain. The 38-year-old Garcia completed 13-of-17 passes for 93 yards and a TD in the 16-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Griese, who also did not practice Wednesday, was hit on the elbow by Denver cornerback Champ Bailey's helmet. An MRI showed no structural damage, but Griese said there is swelling and soreness.