Garcia, 37, had been the inactive third quarterback since being benched following the season-opening loss at New Orleans Sept. 7.

But coach Jon Gruden has voiced his displeasure over Brian Griese throwing six interceptions in his last two starts. On Wednesday, Garcia took some reps with the No. 1 offense during the install period, and according to quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, had increased reps in practice.

For the first time three weeks, it was Luke McCown -- and not Garcia -- who remained after practice Wednesday for some extra work with Olson. That time is normally reserved for the No. 3 quarterback who runs the scout team.

An official announcement won't be made by the team until one hour before kickoff Sunday.

"Jeff is coming along and (Gruden) tries to give them all work -- some get more than others," Olson said. "Jeff got some today and Luke will get some I'm sure tomorrow.

"He just kind of likes to watch them and listen to them in the meeting room. We meet every day and he meets with them every day and he questions all of them. He's trying to see where Jeff is at right now and how he's coming along and he's coming along good."

PLAYER NOTES

--S Sabby Piscitelli did not practice Thursday and is expected to miss Sunday's game at Denver.

--G Davin Joseph participated in practice Thursday. He has not played since breaking his foot in the second preseason game. But Joseph believes he will play at Denver. He may not start, but he could see action.

--WR Joey Galloway did not practice due to a foot strain and is expected to miss his third straight game Sunday at Denver.

--CB Aqib Talib was limited in practice Thursday because of an illness.

--FB B.J. Askew has a torn hamstring and is expected to miss the next three-to-four weeks.

--DT Ryan Sims was limited in practice Thursday with a hamstring strain. He is expected to play against the Broncos.

--RB Earnest Graham leads the team in rushing with 334 yards and two touchdowns. He also has a pair of 100-yard games and his 5.9 average is tops in the NFL.

--FB B.J. Askew is out 3-4 weeks with a torn hamstring he suffered against the Chicago Bears Sept. 21.

--DE Gaines Adams is tied for the club lead in interceptions with two with LB Barrett Ruud.

GAME PLAN: The Bucs can look at the stats, too. They know that Denver is ranked 30th in the league against the run and is coming off a game where Chiefs running back Larry Johnson went crazy on them. Tampa Bay likes to run the football with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn. They have contrasting styles and are both effective. In fact, Graham has four runs over 45 yards this season. But the Bucs haven't run the football very well early in games, especially on the road.

"We haven't done particularly well running the ball in the first half," Gruden said. "I think (Graham) had eight carries for eight yards at halftime the other day (against the Packers). That's not because he's not running the ball or because we're not trying. We used up seven or eight early downs trying to get the run established. We have to do a better job. We'd like to see Earnest start hot and finish with a bang: one of these days he will."

The Broncos live by their passing game behind quarterback Jay Cutler, who has looked like the second coming of John Elway. He also has some pretty good targets in rookie Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall.

"Even from the first day, he was pretty impressive," Shanahan said of Marshall. "Like most receivers, you've got to learn how to be a pro and that comes with time. He works extremely hard to get better on a day-to-day basis. I'm really proud of his progress."

The Bucs have given up some big plays in the passing game, particularly Ronde Barber, who has been beaten for touchdowns in three of the team's four games this year. Look for the Broncos to exploit that matchup.

Meanwhile, QB Brian Griese has to manage the game and cut down on turnovers. He thrown six INTs in his last two games - both victories.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Bucs CB Ronde Barber -- Marshall has 31 catches for 398 yards and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Barber has been beaten for scores in three of the Bucs' four games.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady vs. Bucs DE Gaines Adams: Clady is a rookie and facing an emerging star in Adams, who already has two INTs and two sacks this season.

Broncos MLB Nate Webster vs. Bucs RB Earnest Graham: The Bucs tailback has four runs over 45 yards this year, the most in the NFL. Webster is a former Tampa Bay draft pick and run stopper.

INJURY IMPACT: FB B.J. Askew has a torn hamstring and could miss 3-4 weeks. That means Byron Storer will serve as the team's starting fullback. In a pinch, RB Earnest Graham could play some FB.

--WR Joey Galloway did not practice Thursday due to a foot sprain. Antonio Bryant could start his third game in Galloway's split-end spot while Michael Clayton starts at flanker.

--G Davin Joseph practiced Thursday, but he will be questionable as he recovers from a broken foot. NT Ryan Sims (hamstring) returned to practice.