Simms Season Over

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Chris Simms appears to be done for the 2006 NFL Campaign. His career as an NFL quarterback may be in jeopardy as well.

Simms, who was named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback a few months before the start of the 2006 season, had his spleen removed during an emergency operation following Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.

He underwent a splenectomy this evening and is in stable condition," Bucs team doctor Joe Diaco said in a statement. "Chris is doing well, and we anticipate a full recovery."

Simms dropped to one knee on the field near the end of the third quarter and was walked into the locker room by Diaco. Simms was evaluated and later sent back into the game. Rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski relieved Simms for two plays.

How the Bucs will replace Simms is unknown. The likelihood is that Gradkowski will take over, but the Bucs have two weeks before their next game, so they have time to consider other options.

One possibility could be veteran Jay Fiedler, who was with the Bucs during training camp, but his surgically repaired throwing shoulder was not sound, and he was released.