TAMPA — Jeff Garcia will make his first appearance of the preseason when he starts Saturday against Jacksonville. But get to your seats early if you want to watch.
Coach Jon Gruden said Thursday the QB's playing time will be brief even though teams typically play their starters the longest in the third preseason game.
Garcia, 38, still is recovering from a right calf strain sustained during the first week of camp.
"He's not going to play a lot, even if he was healthy," Gruden said. "He's getting 60 percent of the work here (in practice). Next week, he's going to get even more than that.
"I just want him to get in there with the guys. They've got to hear his snap count. The way these guys communicate in the huddle, they're all different. (Brian) Griese is more of a terminator type. He doesn't say much. I just want (Garcia) to be out there and try to get some snaps and hopefully get back in a groove."
Galloway update: WR Joey Galloway did not practice and could miss all four preseason games. He is recovering from a groin strain and was held out as a precaution. But he is expected to return next week.
"That's our plan," Gruden said. "He should be ready to go when we practice again on Monday."
SABBY ON THE SPOT: Entering his second season, S Sabby Piscitelli has shown a knack for being around the football. That ability produced a score Sunday when he scooped up an errant snap to the Patriots' Matt Cassel and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown.
"There are opportunities you have to capitalize on, and hopefully, you can do it at this level," Piscitelli, 24, said. "You can call it luck or just a great call by (defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin). But you have to make the play. It's like that with any turnover. A lot of times, it's a mistake that you have to capitalize on. That's something our coaches are emphasizing.
"It happened so quick, but I hope to get my hands on a ball a game."
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