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Help Wanted: Bucs Hurting At FB

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Earnest Graham was effective filling in for Byron Storer but but the Bucs want him running the ball.

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2008

Updated: 10/14/2008 12:11 am

TAMPA - The Bucs plan to honor retired fullback Mike Alstott at halftime of Sunday night's game against the Seahawks. They might want to re-sign him instead.

With starter B.J. Askew still on the shelf with a sore hamstring and backup Byron Storer headed to injured reserve with a torn right ACL, the Bucs are officially out of fullbacks.

Earnest Graham was so effective filling in for Storer against Carolina on Sunday that he made Coach Jon Gruden's personal Pro Bowl, but the Bucs want Graham running the ball as part of their two-back attack. So, the options are to rush Askew back into the lineup or find a replacement for Storer.

On the free-agent front, former Buc Jameel Cook is available after failing to make the Texans' roster out of training camp. The Bucs could also bring back Carl Stewart, who was with them during training camp.

A trade is also a possibility. The NFL trade deadline is at 4 p.m. today, so the Bucs will have to work quickly.

Askew said he plans to push for an early return, even though Bucs GM Bruce Allen doesn't usually allow players who are hurt to play.

"I think it's realistic that I could play Sunday," Askew said. "There are things they'll be able to do in the training room to restrict the motion."

And there's always Alstott.

"Given our circumstances, we can talk to him about giving us one more shot," Gruden said.

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979.

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