The Bucs released CB Marcus Hamilton, who was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears. The Bucs activated CB Elbert Mack from the suspended list.

PLAYER NOTES

--QB Brian Griese was limited in practice Wednesday due to soreness but is expected to start against the Packers Sunday. Griese has won seven of his last eight starts for Tampa Bay dating back to 2005.

--FB B. J. Askew has a hamstring strain and will be questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers. Askew missed much of the preseason with a foot injury.

--WR Ike Hilliard leads the Bucs in receiving and touchdowns with two.

--G Davin Joseph returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since breaking his foot in a preseason game against the Patriots six weeks ago. Joseph is not expected to start but could see some playing time against the Packers.

--G Jeremy Zuttah is expected to make his fourth pro start at RG despite the return of veteran Davin Joseph.

--LB Derrick Brooks did not practice Wednesday and still is bothered by a right hamstring strain. He could be held out of some passing downs against the Packers.

GAME PLAN: The Bucs don't want to throw the ball 67 times. Not even close. Jon Gruden wants to get back to running the football with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn. He may have the services of RG Davin Joseph, which will give them more thump. But Gruden also isn't going to beat his head against the wall if the running game isn't there.

In fact, given the success of Griese in the two-minute offense last week, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucs use the hurry-up offense early in the game.

Defensively, the Bucs are going to try and limit the big plays. Tampa Bay knows the Packers are explosive on offense, especially with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.

DE Greg White says the key is getting pressure on Rodgers the way the Cowboys did.

"Just the way Aaron Rodgers is playing," said DE Greg White. "The running back is very smooth, the way he runs the ball. He'll probably give us a little trouble but we'll be all right.

"We need to get a pass rush. The previous teams, Dallas and Detroit have got some good rush on these guys. They haven't rapped up on Aaron Rodgers. He is allusive. He's going to find the hole and he is going to run with the ball. I think he has something like 74 yards rushing right now. When we have opportunities to sack this guy we have to take him down. If not, he finds a second or third option and all of a sudden it's first down in our territory."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Bucs CB Ronde Barber vs. Packers WR Greg Jennings -- Barber was exposed against the Saints and Bears. He may have lost a step and is being attacked in the deep passing game. Jennings is becoming one of the NFL's most dangerous WRs and will test Barber.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin: Face it, there still are some things that Rodgers hasn't seen. Tampa Bay's defense is much more formidable than the Lions' version of the Tampa Two. Look for Kiffin to dial up some blitzes to hurry Rodgers.

Packers RB Ryan Grant vs. Bucs LB Barrett Ruud: The Packers will need to be balanced on offense. Ruud is the best LB for Tampa Bay, which is saying something considering that they also have Cato June and Derrick Brooks.

INJURY IMPACT: WR Joey Galloway has a right foot sprain and is not expected to play Sunday against the Packers. That means Antonio Bryant will make his second start at Galloway's split end spot while Michael Clayton will likely start at flanker.

--CB Aqib Talib, who missed the game at Chicago with a hamstring strain, is expected to play.

--NT Ryan Sims has a hamstring strain and is questionable.

--FB B.J. Askew has a hamstring strain and is questionable. He is likely going to be replaced in the lineup by FB Byron Storer.