...UPDATE...
Gruden's thoughts on Garcia being able to play Sunday:
Several News Outlets, namely ESPN and the St. Pete Times have been reporting that Tampa Bay Bucs QB Jeff Garcia has may-have-had-could-have-probably-doesnt-have a hairline fracture in his back.....
Former Bucs QB Brad Johnson had the same injury years ago and missed three weeks. My question is: Would you sit Jeff Garcia for the next couple ball games and let him heal up to near 100% or would you throw him out there to secure our Playoff run with the possibility of losing him for the duration of the Season?
Given Back-up QB Luke McCown's performance this past Sunday (I'm not confident), but I would allow him to start the next two-three games so Garcia can rest. McCown played the game of his life, but the Saints have a very suspect Defense. Here's our remaining games:
@ Houston (5-7)
Falcons (3-9)
@ 49ers (3-9)
Panthers (5-7)
The Texans would give McCown a challenge (their fiesty despite the record) , but I think he could manage the Storm and secure at the very least 1 win out of our next three games. All we need is another win against a NFC South opponent or for the Saints to lose another game which ever comes first and were Playoff bound.
The Saints still have to play the Eagles (5-7), Bears (5-7), Falcons (3-9), and the Cardinals (6-6). There's no way they'll win out, especially after Sundays debacle.....
I'd rest QB Jeff Garcia and let him play a half or more against the Panthers in our final game of the Season and then get him prepared for a Home Playoff Game.... Try saying that twice without crackin' a grin...