DT McFarland out for rest of season

SportsLine.com wire reports
  
 
   

TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting defensive tackle Anthony McFarland will miss the remainder of the season with a broken right foot.

McFarland suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday's 23-20 victory over the Detroit Lions.

"Anthony McFarland has a right foot fracture and is out for the remainder of the season," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said at his Monday media conference. "Obviously, that is a big blow to our team."

Earlier this season, McFarland missed four games with a broken forearm. In 10 games, McFarland has collected 1½ sacks and 31 tackles.

The Bucs (11-3) lead the NFL in total defense and allow just 12.6 points per game. Tampa Bay is tied with Philadelphia and Green Bay for the NFL's best record.

With McFarland sidelined, the Bucs could move Chartric Darby into the starting lineup. Darby started four games in McFarland's absence earlier this season and has 1½ sacks overall in 14 contests.

A 1999 first-round pick out of Louisiana State, McFarland is a key member of the Bucs line, playing alongside perennial Pro Bowler Warren Sapp.

The 6-foot McFarland emerged as a starter in his second season, registering 6½ sacks in 16 starts. He had 3½ sacks in 14 starts last season.


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