TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to do without their best pass-rusher, defensive end Marcus Jones, for as long as six weeks because of left knee surgery.
Jones was hurt in the first quarter of the Bucs' 40-10 preseason loss to the Washington Redskins on Aug. 24. The injury initially was diagnosed as a sprain, but tests taken after swelling subsided showed indicated the problem was worse.
Jones, who was hampered by shoulder problems last season, underwent arthroscopic surgery this week in Coral Gables, Fla. Team physician Dr. John Zvijac said he likely will need 4-6 weeks recovery time and will miss the first five regular season contests.
His spot on the line will be filled by fellow defensive end Greg Spires. The former Florida State star signed as a free agent earlier this year.
"I'm hungry and I just want to go out and help the team win and do whatever I can to take this team to another level," said Spires, who has five tackles and one sack in the preseason.
"(Greg) is a guy that has been closing in on competing for that position since Day One," said Coach Jon Gruden. "Right now, he's a starter and it's up to him to take advantage of this opportunity. Greg Spires is a good football player. He brings a lot of energy to that position and is a very physical guy."
The 6-1, 265-pounder was a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 1998, and played for the Cleveland Browns last year. He is entering his fifth pro campaign in 2002, and had played in 31 of the last 32 regular-season games.
