It appears the MRI done on Michael Pittman revealed no break in the ankle.  But he has one hell of a sprain that Head Coach Jon Gruden says will keep #32 out 6 to 8 weeks.

So, Earnest Graham is up to bat, with rookie Kenneth Darby on deck.  For Graham, the moment of truth is here.  If he wants to become a feature back, or increase his NFL stock down the road, now's the time.  I got the feeling today that Gruden is not too keen on putting young Darby in there.  I asked Gruden point blank: Is Darby ready to play if needed?  He said, "We'll see."

I'll bet that Gruden spent a good part of the night combing over any and all possibilities of who he would like to have come in via a trade.  Right now, General Manager Bruce Allen is feverishly trying to work a deal.  As we reported at noon, with the trade deadline near, not too many teams want to dance the trade card.  What the Bucs don't want to do is panic and give up too much for what will likely amount to a 2nd or third back. 

Team in market to trade?  How about Oakland -  they have Dominic Rhodes back, along with Fargas, and LaMont Jordan, who was injured two weeks ago (back).  Oakland may be willing to part with Rhodes or Jordan.  Could happen.  If I'm Monte Kiffin, I'm calling my son in Oakland to find out. 

If the Bucs can get a healthy Jordan or Rhodes, let it rip! 

We all got a laugh when Gruden was asked about Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning.  Gruden said it was like his buddies on the tour playing against Tiger Woods for the first time - "It isn't fair.....the guy is unbelievable."  Manning is, and so is that offense.  They are an elite, the Bucs are in the middle of the pack.  Now we watch and see which way they break out of that pack.  North or South? 

I'll have more Wednesday when I talk to the Bucs players.

Tom Korun