The Bucs have signed former Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, giving the team four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

But veteran Byron Leftwich is staying put. Leftwich, 29, went 0-3 as a starter for the Bucs after winning a training camp battle with Luke McCown, who was traded to Jacksonville.

But Leftwich has not been able to practice or play the past several weeks because of tendonitis in his right throwing elbow. Carpenter would provide immediate help on the look squad.

Carpenter was one of the most productive quarterbacks in PAC-10 history. He passed for 10,491 yards and 81 career touchdowns while making 43 consecutive starts. 

Tampa Bay already has turned an eye to the future at the quarterback position. First round pick Josh Freeman has taken over as the starter and Josh Johnson, a second-year pro from San Diego who went 0-4 as a starter, is the No. 2 quarterback.

The Bucs also are expected to sign former Nebraska WR Terrence Nunn from the Patriots' practice squad.