Buccaneers S Phillips out for season

Dec 15, 2008 - 7:31 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jermaine Phillips is done for the season.

Phillips suffered a fractured right forearm in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, coach Jon Gruden said Monday.

It is the latest in a string of injuries for Tampa Bay, which played without quarterback Jeff Garcia and starting defensive tackles Chris Hovan and Jovan Haye.

"It is unfortunate," Gruden said. "You talk about a great guy, and really a very good football player, one of our leaders. I can't explain it, very, very unfortunate for us."

Phillips, in his seventh season with the Bucs, registered a season-high 12 tackles against the Falcons.

Gruden also said that linebacker Derrick Brooks is questionable for next Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers due to a rib injury. Brooks has never missed a game in his 14-year career.

"We are concerned about him," Gruden said. "I will remain optimistic because of whom we are talking about, but we have our concerns."

Tampa Bay (9-5) has lost two straight games and is tied with Atlanta for second place in the NFC South.