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Earnest Graham to start at fullback for Bucs on Sunday

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Buccaneers running Earnest Graham will receive his first start of the season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Graham will start at fullback for B.J. Askew, who will not play because of neck and back injuries he sustained during a car accident earlier this week.

"Earnest will be the starting fullback in B.J.'s place," coach Raheem Morris said. "Earnest has done that role before. He's thrived in that role before. We're going to go out this weekend and give him some more touches, more carries and more blocking opportunities."

Graham played fullback last season when Askew and backup Byron Storer were injured. Graham volunteered to play fullback when Storer was hurt against Carolina in mid-October. As a result, Warrick Dunn rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries during a 27-3 victory.

In addition, Morris said receiver Antonio Bryant had one of his best practices in weeks on Friday.

"Antonio has looked the best he's looked since (offseason workouts)," Morris said.

Morris said TE Jerramy Stevens (quad) participated in practice, adding that every player on the injury report, except Askew, would be listed as probable for Sunday's game.

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