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Bucs expect Gramatica to play Redskins

Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica was taken to a hospital Monday for a stomach problem that is not expected to keep him out of Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Washington Redskins.

 Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica made 27 of 32 field goals and converted all 25 of his extra-point attempts during the regular season.

The rookie, who made 27 of 32 field goals and converted all 25 of his extra-point attempts during the regular season, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital for tests after complaining of lower abdominal pain.

"It's some kind of intestinal problem, but they think they've got it figured out and he should be fine by (Tuesday)," coach Tony Dungy said. "I really don't know what brought it on. I don't really know what happened. But he should be fine."

The Bucs, who had a first-round bye in the playoffs, returned to work Monday after having three days off. Gramatica was sent to the hospital after arriving at the team's training complex and complaining that his stomach hurt.

Reggie Roberts, the Bucs' director of communications, said the kicker was never actually admitted to the hospital and was sent home after team physician Joseph Diaco conducted a series of tests.

Meanwhile, Dungy said reports that the kicker was hospitalized for a more serious problem were not accurate.

"Martin's doing fine," the coach said. "I think we had a little bit of a false alarm or quick reaction from what I've heard on the radio. He's going to be fine and should be at practice (Tuesday)."

For much of the season, Gramatica was Tampa Bay's most effective weapon on offense. He set a club record with 106 points and had made 13 consecutive field goals before a 48-yard attempt was blocked at Chicago in the regular-season finale.

Despite not learning who they were going face until Saturday, the Bucs did get a head start on preparation for the Redskins, who defeated the Detroit Lions 27-13 in the NFC wild-card round.

Because Tampa Bay plays Minnesota twice a season and already was familiar with the Vikings, Dungy and his staff spent part of last week studying film of the other two teams -- Washington and Dallas -- the Bucs (11-5) could have faced Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.

"We're going to have our hands full," the coach said. "I think probably the four best teams in the NFC are still in there, the teams that have won the most games, and that's generally what it comes down to. We expect a tough game. We're looking forward to it."

Dungy expects to make a decision before practice Tuesday on whether Trent Dilfer, sidelined the past six weeks with a broken collarbone, will back up rookie Shaun King at quarterback against the Redskins.

Dilfer began throwing two weeks ago, but as of Monday had not been cleared by doctors to play. If the sixth-year pro is out, Eric Zeier will remain No. 2.

"Really, you just have to look and see how he's throwing in practice and what he does and if that gives us the best chance to win if he goes in the game, as opposed to Eric who's been practicing and doing all the work the last few weeks," Dungy said. "It'll be a tough call. But again, it will help if we got that clearance early in the week. If we don't, it's unlikely we make that move."


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