ESPN NFC South Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

Griese

Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden revealed that quarterback Brian Griese will get the start against New England on Sunday night.

Jeff Garcia is still recovering from an injury and won't play. But, now that Brett Favre's out of the way, there's no doubt Garcia will be the starter in the regular season. But the more interesting thing is what happens with the rest of Tampa Bay's quarterbacks.

Griese getting the start should not be viewed as proof that he'll be the No. 2 quarterback. Luke McCown got the start last week and Gruden has said he wants to give both quarterbacks an opportunity to work with the first team.

There's a chance the loser of the battle between Griese and McCown might not even stay on the roster. The Bucs also have Chris Simms and rookie Josh Johnson. They may keep four quarterbacks, but that's tough to do because of other roster considerations.

Let's say McCown wins the backup job. The Bucs may keep Griese around because of his experience, but that's not a given. Johnson is a guy the Bucs used a draft pick on and they don't want to risk putting him on the practice squad because that would require releasing him (and making him available to the rest of the league) first. If McCown is No. 2, Griese could be targeted for trade or release.

If Griese wins the No. 2 job, things could be even more complicated. Griese and Garcia clearly aren't the long-term answers because of their age. McCown probably doesn't have much trade value. If McCown can't claim the No. 2 job that's not a good sign for his career in Tampa Bay. The Bucs would probably have to cut him.

The odd man out in either scenario is still Simms. Despite a good camp, he doesn't want to be in Tampa Bay and the Bucs don't want him. He'll get playing time against the Patriots, but that's only so the Bucs can showcase him for a potential trade.