Chris Simms to injured reserve

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms is back on injured reserve after struggling to regain his form following a ruptured spleen last season.

He goes to IR having not played a down this season.

The five-year veteran from the University of Texas also was placed on IR after suffering the spleen injury Sept. 24, 2006, against Carolina. That led to season-ending surgery.

His two-year, $7 million contract included at least $3 million in guaranteed payouts near the end of last season.

He joins running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams (knee) and left offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (leg) on the sidelines for the remainder of this season.

Also missing is running back Michael Pittman, who is out six to eight weeks with a severely sprained right ankle. Pittman's loss leaves the Buccaneers with two healthy running backs as they prepare for the Tennessee Titans Sunday.