Buccaneers QB Garcia to play Sunday

Dec 19, 2008 - 6:05 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia practiced on Friday and is expected to start on Sunday when the team hosts the San Diego Chargers.

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

"I believe he'll be the starter," Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden said Friday. "Now, what his playing strength and stamina is, I can't be a true judge of that today. I know he'll give everything he has."

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

With Garcia sidelined last Sunday, Brian Griese completed 26-of-37 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Griese got the nod over Luke McCown, who Gruden said will backup Garcia this weekend.






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