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Cadillac set to put the pads on and get to work

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Well, in keeping with what JScott wrote a couple of weeks ago, the Cadillac appears set to roll out of the shop and back onto the practice field in pads, according to the St. Pete Times Bucs Beat.  The team has about a week to decide if Williams will go from the PUP list to the active roster or IR.  With the Bucs on the cusp of the division lead and/or in good position in the Wild Card race and with recent attrition at the running pack position, it might actually be time for the team to roll the dice a little bit and bring the Caddy back to game action.  The severity of Graham's knee injury is unknown, at least to the media at this point.  He is scheduled to be evaulated by team doctors today.  Graham apparently hurt the knee in the first half, but toughed it out for much of the second half before giving way to Clifton Smith in overtime.   Warrick Dunn's status is still undetermined as well, but you can't feel good about an aging RB with back pain being able to last the season.  Although Gruden hasn't come out and said it yet, I think Michael Bennett's major short coming, pass blocking, might be his downfall in Gruden's offensive system.  Clearly Gruden isn't comfortable giving him regular playing time.  No one really knows what Clifton Smith can bring to the table in the running game.  Thus, the time seems right for Caddy to magically come in and save the day. 

Quid pro quo... do you really rush a young, talented, but injury prone guy back from a severe knee injury and put him in game action within a week or two after returning to contact practice?  His rehab and physical status has been kept under wraps, so I can't really say how he's running or feeling.  I do know that it's one thing to get resistance from a rubber band in a doorway at home and it's completely another thing to plant your legs in the ground and fight against Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith for extra yardage on 3rd down.  I'd be sick if he came back too soon and aggravated the knee long term.

All said, the Bucs have a very important decision to make: put him on IR and either sign another running back or go with the grab bag of Clifton Smith, Michael Bennett, and whatever veteran back is healthy that week OR activate the Caddy and gradually work him into the RB rotation with the hopes he'll be a full time back by the end of the season.  This will be one that could pay dividends this year or could set the team back in the long run.  With time running out on a decision, we'll see what kind of poker player Gruden is in the coming week.

0 recs  |  Comment 4 comments |

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Great news for my fantasy team

Bad news for everyone else. If healthy, I think Cadillac is going to elevate you guys to a whole different level. Terrific player.

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 3, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I agree

I’m gonna take a flier on Caddy in case he can work his way back into the mix by the end of the season. I’m in a salary keeper league too, so I could possibly get a full time starter next year for a minimal cost.

Cannons... fire them.

www.BucEm.com - SBNation's home for discussion of all things regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

by Craig T on Nov 3, 2008 9:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Why not

work him in slowly. With the hopes that Graham does not have a serious injury we should be able to work Caddy back in a few plays at a time. Although I will be interested to see exactly how Gruden will manage the roster considering that not long ago there was not roster space for Bennett to dress.

BTW: How about that kid Clifton Smith….hell of a job this week, Good on him!

by angecorrado on Nov 4, 2008 8:03 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Caddy wasnt that great

of a pass blocker so i dont know that he would get any more touches than Bennett if that was the issue holding Bennett back from getting more playing time.

The Bucs have a decision to make though. It’s a tough, tough decision. I’d like to see Caddy back, but like you said, would hate to see him aggravate his injury

Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!

by JScott on Nov 5, 2008 6:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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