Garcia expects to play Sunday

With a bounce in his step, quarterback Jeff Garcia stepped up to a podium Wednesday at One Buc Place and declared himself healthy enough to play Sunday at Houston after missing last week's game with a back bruise.

"I believe that I will play," said Garcia, 37. "I'm preparing to play. I'm sure they will leave that somewhat up to me, and as far as I'm concerned I want to be out there playing. And I don't think that I'm risking anything. I feel like I'm getting back to a place where I'm healthy again. Of course, it's not without some aches, but that's just part of the soreness working it's way out. I feel good about where my healthy is and where I'm headed."

Backup Luke McCown threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner with 14 second left, in a 27-23 victory at New Orleans that gave Tampa Bay a commanding three-game lead in the NFC South. The Bucs can clinch the division with a win Sunday, or losses by the Saints and Panthers.