Simms Says Buccaneers' Medical Staff Not At Fault

Injured Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms said during a news conference Thursday in Tampa that he doesn't fault the team's medical staff for allowing him to reenter a game against the Carolina Panthers 12 days ago.

Simms underwent emergency surgery after the game to have his spleen removed.

Buccaneers officials have said Simms was allowed to reenter the game because there were no indications his injuries were so severe and the team believed he was suffering from only a rib injury.

"Here I am telling him [team physician Joseph Diaco] I can play and that I feel okay," Simms said. "What's somebody supposed to do?"

He credited Diaco for having him rushed to the hospital after the game and said, "I'm healthy and that's the bottom line."

Simms said he initially was hurt early in the game, although he's not certain when his spleen was ruptured, and he ended up losing three pints of blood.

He said he's hopeful of playing again this season but not certain he'll be able to do so. He's lost 10 pounds after not being able to eat solid foods for a week.

By Mark Maske |  October 6, 2006; 10:43 AM ET  | Category:  Buccaneers
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