TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms is out indefinitely after having his spleen removed. However, the Buccaneers are not ruling out his playing again this season.<br>
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In the meantime, rookie Bruce Gradkowski moves up to become the starter with Tim Rattay (ruh-TAY') serving as his backup. The Bucs will explore signing a veteran to fill in as the Number Three q-bk until Luke McCown comes off the physically-unable-to-perform list.<br>
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Simms had his spleen removed after absorbing several punishing hits during yesterday's 26-to-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Coach Jon Gruden says the 26-year-old was examined repeatedly during the game and showed no symptoms of being injured as seriously as he was.<br>
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The team physician issued a statement last night saying he anticipates a full recovery.
