Rather than test free agency at the end of the season, injured Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms is remaining with the Buccaneers. Simms, sidelined since the third week of the season after having his spleen removed, signed a two-year contract extension Wednesday and looks forward to trying to regain his starting job in 2007.

Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams won't play Sunday against Cleveland because of a foot injury.

Chris Simms, quarterback for the Buccaneers, started throwing two weeks ago, two months after he suffered a life-threatening ruptured spleen during a Week 3 loss to the Panthers. His weight and strength have returned, but that 9-inch scar down the middle of his stomach is a daily reminder of the later splenectomy and of why he's still working every day to recover his stamina. "I'm not quite all the way back, but I'm getting close," Simms says. "The biggest thing is my stomach muscles. I'm running and lifting. I just can't do the four-sets lifting I used to at my maximum."

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden insists he's not concerned about the possibility that missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons could cost him his job. The Bucs (3-10) officially were eliminated from postseason contention after Sunday's loss to the Falcons. They've lost six of their last seven games and haven't scored a touchdown in the past 11 quarters.