Injured Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia, out since Thursday with a calf strain, said Tuesday morning that he doubts he will play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins.

“I don’t think I’ve been ruled out but I think it’s highly unlikely,” Garcia said after Tuesday’s morning session. "It’s just one of those things. I haven’t practiced in a few days and I’m sure coach wouldn’t want to throw me out there not having practiced.

“Also it’s preseason,” he added. “It’s not a sense of getting ready for this one, but making sure I’m ready for the opener of the season.”

Garcia was on the field for the first time during outdoor team drills Tuesday morning, but was a mere spectator, standing behind coach Jon Gruden as Luke McCown and Brian Griese took most of the reps.

Garcia said he is improving and he didn’t see missing much more time, but admitted being frustrated by the injury.

“It’s just one of those things when it’s down in your leg you can necessarily step back on the field and start pushing yourself,” Garcia said. “Hopefully before you know it, I’ll be back on the field. It’s not happening as fast as I would like it to but that’s just the way these things go.”

Wide receiver Joey Galloway (groin) didn’t practice either. Neither did Jovan Haye (groin). Defensive back Sammy Davis was out with a hip flexor but is day to day.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden said he was pleased with the tempo of practice but saw too many dropped passes and interceptions (He has counted five drops by linebackers this camp). He applauded rookie Dexter Jackson’s route running and speed, saying the quarterbacks needed to do a better job of getting him the ball.

And when asked about the team's first depth chart, which the Bucs had to release per league rules Monday, Gruden didn’t put much stock in it.

“We could change it at lunch,” Gruden said. “We’ve got a long way to go to decide who’s two and who’s three and who’s going to make it and who’s not.”

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

[Photo: James Borchuck, Times]