Galloway said he has begun running, cutting and catching footballs.

Galloway has missed the last three games with a right foot sprain he suffered Sept. 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Since the middle of December 2007, he has only played one complete game -- the season opener at New Orleans.

"It's tough to sit back and watch," Galloway said. "But like I said, finally I'm running. So at least I feel like I'm preparing myself to come back. That's exciting. When you're hurt, it's the little things that matter. That day you finally get to do some cutting and catch a football -- that kind of stuff."

Galloway was limited in practice Thursday.

"There's always a chance," Galloway said. "To see the offense go through some struggles like we have the last couple weeks and not be able to help. ... I don't, by any stretch of the imagination, want to say I would've changed those games, but I do my part in this offense and right now I'm not there to do that. That's tough to sit there and watch."

But coach Jon Gruden said until he sees Galloway practice, it's unlikely he will play.

PLAYER NOTES

--QB Brian Griese did not practice on Thursday because of a bruised elbow and shoulder strain. He will try to throw some Friday but is not expected to play against the Panthers.

--QB Jeff Garcia looked sharp Thursday in practice, according to Jon Gruden, and will start against the Carolina Panthers.

--QB Luke McCown took limited reps with the No. 1 offense and will be the No. 2 quarterback Sunday against the Panthers.

--FB B.J. Askew did not practice because of a hamstring strain and is not expected to play against the Panthers.

--LB Barrett Ruud has a right knee sprain and was limited in practice Thursday. He is expected to be limited in practice Friday and will be a game-time decision.

--S Sabby Piscitelli returned to practice despite an elbow injury and had full participation.

--LB Derrick Brooks, who has battled through hamstring injuries and comes off the field on occasion during passing downs, has 24 tackles this season.

--LB Adam Hayward took reps at middle linebacker Wednesday and could get the start if Barrett Ruud (knee) is unable to play.

--WR Ike Hilliard has a touchdown reception in three of the Bucs four games.

GAME PLAN: You can bet the Bucs will be prepared for anything this week - zone coverage or man-to-man.

Jon Gruden admitted he expected man coverage and had to adjust last week against Denver when the Broncos rushed three and dropped eight. It was effective. This is a copycat league, so the Panthers may try that strategy.

But the best way to slow a pass rush is to run the football, and the Bucs are well-equipped to do that with Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn, who are both averaging over 5-yards per carry.

QB Jeff Garcia has the ability to escape the rush and create bigger windows to throw in. Garcia's replacement of Brian Griese should not be a factor.

"What's good about our situation is that we have two veteran guys," receiver Michael Clayton said. "I don't think it changes anything at all. The only thing that may change is the cadence and that's something that we're going to be fine with."

Defensively, the Bucs have to be wary of the Panthers dynamic duo of running backs as well - Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Worse yet, QB Jake Delhomme is throwing the ball better than ever a year after elbow surgery.

Perhaps that's why the Panthers have won the last five games in Tampa Bay.

"No, it doesn't surprise me," defensive tackle Chris Hovan said. "They're a very physical team. John Fox is a great coach. He's got that real physical approach with playing great defense, running the ball and controlling the game, not giving up big plays, controlling the clock. I respect the way that their philosophy is. It's a little bit like ours. We respect what they do put on tape, but at one o'clock we don't have to like each other."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers LT Jordan Gross vs. Bucs DE Gaines Adams -- The Bucs have to get some heat on QB Jake Delhomme, who thrives under pressure. Adams has stepped up his game but has to make some splash plays for Tampa Bay to win.

Bucs LT Donald Penn vs. Panthers RDE Julius Peppers: The Carolina defensive end had a down year in 2007 but already has bounced back in a big way. He's had a sack in each of his last three games and looks natural rushing from the RDE spot after switching from LDE. Penn will have his hands full.

Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Bucs CB Ronde Barber: Smith is a game-changer and puts great pressure on the perimeter defensive players to wrap up and tackle.

INJURY IMPACT: QB Brian Griese has a right elbow bruise and shoulder strain. He is unable to throw or practice and is not expected to play Sunday against the Panthers. QB Jeff Garcia will make his second start, his first in about a month. Luke McCown is expected to be the No. 2 QB. WR Joey Galloway, who has missed the past three games with a foot sprain, has begun to run but is questionable. LB Barrett Ruud has a right knee sprain and was limited in practice Thursday. He is questionable but wants to play.