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Brian Griese out for the season

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay quarterback Brian Griese will not play again this season because of torn ligaments in his left knee.

Coach Jon Gruden told reporters Wednesday Griese's knee will require season-ending surgery.

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Third-year pro Chris Simms will take over as the Buccaneers' starting signal-caller.

"We did everything we could, and Brian wanted to do everything also, to get as much information as we could," Gruden said. "Today's really a sad day in a lot of ways because we do have closure on Griese's situation, but we're very excited for Chris Simms. He had a good workout (Wednesday) and we're going to rally around him the best we can."

For the season, Griese -- who sought other medical opinions before deciding on surgery -- passed for 1,136 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games. The Buccaneers acquired veteran Tim Rattay from San Francisco before the league's trading deadline on Tuesday.

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