Report: Buccaneers RB Graham out for season

Nov 18, 2008 - 12:47 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be without running back Earnest Graham for the rest of the season, according to published reports Tuesday.

The Tampa Tribune reported on its web site that Graham will likely miss the remainder of the campaign with a right ankle injury suffered on his first carry during Sunday's 19-13 win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Graham had been listed as questionable throughout last week with a knee injury after he was hurt against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 2, and coach Jon Gruden did not sound optimistic about a quick return.

"I don't have the exact medical terms, but I would say that it doesn't look like he's going to be playing any time soon," Gruden told the Tribune.

The 28-year-old Graham has 132 carries for 563 yards and four touchdowns this season, making 23 catches for 174 yards in 10 games.

Without Graham, the Buccaneers will now turn the running back duties over to veteran backup Warrick Dunn and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday.

Williams has not played since tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee on September 30, 2007.