Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said at his weekly press conference that it is too early to tell which quarterback will get the nod for Sunday’s game against NFC South rival Carolina. Starter Brian Griese left Sunday's game against Denver with an elbow injury and Gruden said Griese is questionable. While Jeff Garcia has struggled with injuries as well, he would be the choice is Griese is unable to play.

"We're going to address the quarterback situation as soon as we get all the facts," Gruden said.

"Obviously health is going to be an issue. Jeff did some good things. His health has been an issue and his return to health is something we're excited about. We'll evaluate and let you know on Wednesday."

While the Bucs only scored 13 points against Denver, Gruden didn't point a finger at his quarterbacks. Instead, he gave credit to the Broncos' defense.

"Brian played pretty well and Jeff played pretty well," Gruden said. "Denver used some strange tactics yesterday. They've been a man-to-man team throughout the first month of the season. Yesterday they rushed three 23 times. I thought under the circumstances both quarterbacks did some good things."

The only other player Gruden mentioned as questionable was linebacker Barrett Ruud. Ruud suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Adam Hayward.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer