BUCS EXPECT BROOKS, GARCIA TO PLAY

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some good news heading into their must-win game against the Chargers on Sunday: Their veteran leaders on both sides of the ball are expected to play. Coach Jon Gruden said linebacker Derrick Brooks is likely to play despite a rib injury, and quarterback Jeff Garcia will start despite a calf injury. Brooks has been limited in practice this week, and there was concern that he’d have to miss a game for the first time in his 14-year career. But Gruden said Brooks has shown his trademark toughness and ability to recuperate quickly. “We’ll get to the stadium and make sure everything is accurate, but it does appear our captain will be back,” Gruden said. “It’s a credit to him.” As for Garcia, Gruden said, “I believe he’ll be the starter. . . . I do expect him to start the game. I know we’ll need him.” Wide receiver Joey Galloway is also expected to be active Sunday. Galloway hasn’t played in two weeks and hasn’t caught a pass in almost two months.