Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jermaine Phillips out for season

TAMPA — Jermaine Phillips' season is over.

The longtime Bucs safety was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after further examination of the left thumb he broke Sunday.

It 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.

A broken thumb isn't typically considered a season-ending injury, but coach Raheem Morris said Monday, "Jermaine's broken his arms seven times and it's a little different deal.''

The Bucs also released safety Steve Cargile, who was added over the weekend for depth. They are expected to make a move as early as today to address the loss of Phillips. The Bucs have two open roster spots and conducted workouts Tuesday with several players they did not identify, including defensive backs.

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, including four of 42 yards or longer.

The safety position has been decimated by absences. Two-year starter Tanard Jackson is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, with two games remaining. Phillips' injury leaves the Bucs with just two healthy safeties, Will Allen and Sabby Piscitelli.