Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms had his spleen removed after taking several hard hits in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was resting comfortably in a hospital.

``Chris is doing well and we anticipate a full recovery,'' team physician Dr. Joe Diaco said in a brief statement. He added that the 26-year-old son of former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms was in stable condition.

Simms had a blood transfusion as part of his treatment and was expected to be hospitalized for several days, Peter King said during a break on NBC's Sunday night game, citing a conversation he had with Simms' mother, Diana.

Simms, who left the game briefly but returned, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, a few blocks from Raymond James Stadium. Coach Jon Gruden said during his post-game news conference that Simms hurt his ribs early in the game and was also battling dehydration.