It was initially reported that Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount was held out of practice and was not expected to play this weekend against the Saints. The injury appears more serious, however, as on Thursday, radio man J.P. Peterson reported that Blount has an MCL sprain and could miss four to six weeks.
Blount suffered the injury on Sunday when the Bucs were routed by the San Francisco 49ers. The running back took a direct hit to the knee, resulting in an MCL sprain that has been ruled as a grade 2 tear. The recovery time is typically four to six weeks for an injury of that nature.
Running back Earnest Graham would be the immediate answer at running back, if Blount is indeed sidelined for an extended period of time. Graham has 18 carries for 84 yards this season, filling in on a 3rd down basis for the incredibly productive Blount. Kregg Lumpkin is the only other running back currently on the roster, after Allen Bradford was released just this week.
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