Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese missed practice for the third straight day Friday due to a right elbow injury, making Jeff Garcia the likely starter in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden seemed resigned to officially name Garcia the starter, though his options are limited with Griese missing the entire week of practice.

"That's the way it looks right now, yes," Gruden responded when asked if Garcia would begin the game under center.

Griese, who underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to the elbow, was driven into the ground by Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey late in the third quarter of Sunday's 16-13 loss to Denver. Garcia, the Week 1 starter, took over for Griese in the setback.

Garcia, who hadn't sniffed the field since the season-opener against New Orleans, threw for 93 yards with a touchdown and an interception on 13-of-17 passing Sunday as Tampa Bay's comeback effort fell just short.

Garcia led the club to an NFC South title last season and threw for 221 yards with a touchdown and an interception, connecting on 24-of-41 throws in the loss to New Orleans. He also sustained an ankle injury against the Saints and watched Griese lead the Bucs to a Week 2 win over Atlanta, the first of three straight victories for the Michigan product.

If Garcia is the starter Sunday versus Carolina, Luke McCown will be slated as the backup.

Tampa Bay wide receiver Joey Galloway, who has missed the past three games with a right foot sprain, has been ruled out for Sunday.

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