Jermaine Phillips' season is over.

The longtime Bucs safety was placed on injured reserve today after further examination of a broken left thumb he suffered in Sunday's game.

This is Phillips' third broken bone in the past two seasons. And his lengthy injury history -- almost all of it broken bones in his arms and hands -- dates to 2004.

The Bucs today also released safety Steve Cargile, who was added over the weekend for depth. It's expected they will make a move to address to loss of Phillips as they now have two open roster spots.

The Bucs conducted workouts today with several players, including defensive backs. The roster additions are expected to occur by Wednesday.

Phillips' injury only compounds the problems on a defense that has given up 900 yards in two games. The secondary has been burned for five deep touchdown passes in the two losses, including four of 42 yards or longer.

The safety position has been decimated by absences. Two-year starter Tanard Jackson is already serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's substace-abuse policy, with two games remaining. Phillips moved back to safety from linebacker to augment the position after the league ruled on Jackson, but now the Bucs are left looking elsewhere for help.