TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Brian Griese will start at quarterback for Tampa Bay Oct. 18 against the St. Louis Rams, Buccaneers' Coach Jon Gruden said Monday.
Griese replaced the injured Chris Simms in the first quarter if a 20-17 win over New Orleans Sunday. It was Tampa Bay's first win of the season.
Simms was making his first start. He went out with a shoulder strain and is listed as doubtful for the St. Louis contest.
Griese, who will be Tampa Bay's third starter of the season following Simms and Brad Johnson, connected on 16 of 19 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans.
"I think Brian Griese, what he did yesterday, was outstanding, going in there and completing 16 out of 19 in a very tough, hostile place to play," Gruden said.
"Chris is hurt and we're just going to deal with the reality of the business here. If Chris had stayed healthy and played like he was playing, he would have continued to be our starter. He's not healthy; he's hurt."
