Buccaneers QB Garcia plans to play Sunday

Dec 17, 2008 - 10:26 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia practiced on Wednesday and said that he expects to start this week against the San Diego Chargers.

Garcia missed last week's 13-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a calf injury.

With Garcia sidelined, Brian Griese completed 26-of-37 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Griese got the nod over Luke McCown.

"I am going to practice (the rest of the week), so I plan on being ready for Sunday," Garcia said.

Head coach Jon Gruden was not as optimistic, though.

"He looked better," Gruden said. "Again, with this injury, it's going to be a day-to-day situation. We'll do the best we can to get the next guy ready to go."

Who will be the next guy?

"We'll make that announcement if we need to Sunday," Gruden said.

The Buccaneers desperately need Garcia back. They were once tied for the NFC South Division lead, but have lost two straight and are now battling the Falcons (9-5) for the second wild-card spot.