"If anyone in the locker room is taking sides in the Jason Campbell-Bruce Gradkowski quarterback controversy, you would have to ask the towels and athletic tape.

While Gradkowski faced the cameras and answered questions outside by the practice field Thursday about being the new starter, Campbell politely declined to be interviewed when approached inside.

He said he would do it, but was asked by the team not to talk to reporters. Other players stayed clear of the locker room during the 45 minutes when the media is allowed in.

Gradkowski, meanwhile, has no illusions of being the starter for long if he doesn't play well Sunday at Arizona. "You just never know," Gradkowski said. "Winning's the name of the game, and if I'm not getting it done I'm sure he's going to try to find someone else who will. You just have to respect that."

Gradkowski won starts against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh last season, after replacing JaMarcus Russell, but didn't have a chance to compete against Campbell for the No. 1 job. He tore a pectoral muscle lifting weights in the offseason, then strained his groin early in training camp.

The fan favorite came in at halftime Sunday and led a 16-14 comeback win over the Rams.

"Coach Cable told us the news, and I was excited," Gradkowski said. "But the excitement ends right there. I really haven't done nothing in my mind.""