If the 6-3 Buccaneers are going to defeat the 5-4 Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium Sunday they'll have to do it without one of their main offensive weapons.

Bucs tight end Alex Smith was held out of practice again on Friday and likely will miss the team's NFC showdown with the Vikings due to the ankle injury he sustained in Kansas City two weeks ago. He is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game.

Smith has caught 19 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns through nine games. Tight ends Jerramy Stevens and John Gilmore have played well for Tampa Bay this season, but not having Smith could hinder the Bucs' offense.

"It impacts us, especially against a group like this," Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said of Smith's absence vs. Minnesota's sixth-ranked defense. "We've been a two-tight end and three-tight end operation, it's been a big part of our passing game, pass protection and our running game. Alex Smith, as you know, has been the one tight end that has been our starter and an every down-type guy. It's a big loss for us."

The good news for the Bucs is running back Earnest Graham will play vs. the Vikings despite missing practices on Monday and Wednesday due to a knee injury. Graham has rushed for 560 yards (4.3 avg.) and four touchdowns.

Gruden expects both Graham and Warrick Dunn, who has been dealing with a back injury, to play vs. Minnesota, which has the third-ranked run defense in the NFL. They are listed as questionable for the game.

"I did see some good things," Gruden said of Graham. "He's going to grind it out, just like a lot of pro football players do this time of year. I have good feelings for Earnest Graham and I think Warrick Dunn is ready to go."

The improved health status of Graham and Dunn means Bucs RB Cadillac Williams, who was activated from the physically unable to perform list to the active roster this week, likely will be inactive for Sunday's game.

"I don't foresee him being a part of this game, but we'll see how things unfold over the next 48 hours," Gruden said of Williams. "We've had some injuries in the backfield, but if everything goes as planned I don't see him being active yet. He took another step forward this week, which is exciting."

In other injury news, Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips will not play vs. Minnesota due to the recovery time needed after surgery to repair his broken forearm.

Quarterback Brian Griese (elbow) is doubtful. Fullback B.J. Askew (hamstring) and wide receiver Ike Hilliard (shoulder) are questionable. Linebacker Derrick Brooks (knee) and defensive tackle Jovan Haye (foot) are probable.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (shoulder) is questionable. Safety Madieu Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday's game.

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