Griese gets starting call for Tampa

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004 | 9:40 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Brian Griese will become the third quarterback to start for Tampa Bay this season when the Buccaneers travel to St. Louis for Monday's game against the Rams.

Griese, who began the season as the Buccaneers' third-string quarterback, passed for 194 yards and a touchdown Sunday to lead Tampa Bay to a 20-17 victory against New Orleans, the Bucs' first win of the season after four losses. Griese entered the game in the first quarter after starter Chris Simms was forced from the game with a shoulder injury after a tackle by rookie Saints defensive end Will Smith.

A former starter in Denver and Miami, Griese began his seventh season in the NFL with Tampa after signing as a free agent in the offseason.

"What he did yesterday was outstanding, going in there and completing 16 out of 19 in a very tough, hostile place to play," Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden saide. "Brian Griese has a history in the league that's very impressive, and he's a quick study."

Brad Johnson, the starter until Simms was promoted a week ago, probably will be Griese's backup for that game.

"Hopefully (Davis) will be a week closer to being healed," coach John Fox said. "We didn't feel like he was 100 percent Sunday. We evaluated it all week. We just have to continue that this week."

Fox also said cornerback Will Hampton probably will miss the rest of the season after tearing knee ligaments.