Maybe we won't see Caddy after all?

UPDATE, 3:55 p.m.: So, now we're thinking maybe Jon Gruden isn't kidding.

There's a chance that perhaps we won't see Cadillac Williams Sunday at Detroit. That opinion is based on comments from both Gruden and Williams after today's practice, which just concluded.

Gruden indicated that the backup running backs on the roster Sunday will have to be someone who can contribute on special teams. That person is more likely to be newly-signed Noah Herron than Williams, who has never played special teams here.

"I don't know that he'll play a major role in this game yet or not, or even if he'll be active," Gruden said of Williams.

Gruden called Herron "a guy we know can help us on special teams."

Additionally, I asked Williams whether his role in practice has changed much from the past couple of weeks, when he was limited to mostly scout-team duties.

"It's slowly changing, but I didn't really get too many (reps)," he said. "Who knows?"

Right now, things are pointing to a limited role for Williams, if he has any at all, even though the Bucs' backfield is certainly a little thin.

1:43 p.m.: Coach Jon Gruden spoke to the Detroit media today as it is customary for an opponent's coach to conduct a conference call with the other city's media.

He was asked during that call about the chance of RB Cadillac Williams playing this week given Earnest Graham's move to injured reserve.

Gruden's answer wasn't all that clear.

"I don't know that he's going to be active for this game," Gruden said. "There is a chance he could be. We're taking it day by day. I'll tell you guys: If you could see the injury he had and where he is now, it's something that is really a good story. We're doing everything we can to get him back in football condition."

Who knows what the truth is? The view from here is that Gruden is being coy for competitive reasons, not wanting to give up any strategic plans. If Williams isn't going to play under these current circumstances, then why did the Bucs even bother placing him on the active roster? My guess is he plays, unless Gruden is being completely honest here.

This seems like the perfect chance to get Cadillac that first carry, which would seem to be the next major hurdle he has to clear -- both physically and mentally.

Comments

[Mot]

I find it fitting that Michael Bennett is released so Gruden and Allen can place Cadillac on the active squad (To look good) and then Graham goes down for the year and we are left with Dunn and a rookie? To me Bennett was the star of the pre-season only to get on Grudens bad side to the point of being released. Not who looks like the fool "Chucky?"...

[Clad]

We never should have gotten rid of Bennett. Dumb mistake.

Cadillac won't play and the running game is goin down the drain.

Clad

[Mike J]

Cant say as how I disagree w/ the two prior posts....

[CW]

I'm sick of the Bennett complainers. He obviously wasn't good if he couldn't play in front of an undrafted rookie. Get over it. Bennett was not going to save our season. Jeez.

[TJ]

I find it sad, that the Bucs are 7-3 and is all I hear is how bad Guden is. It sucks that EG went down but Askew is back. I think Dunn, Smith, and Williams will be find. Our O line is playing well.

[Mike]

It's pretty clear that Bennett had some issues in practice and with the playbook. I mean, it's been a long time since this guy's been a factor in the NFL anyway.

(Bunch o' armchair QBs.)

Oh yeah. We're 7 & 3.

[gunn3r11]

If Bennett was a quality starting RB, KC wouldn't have traded him, and he certainly wouldn't have been let go by the team that drafted him. Gruden brought a championship to Tampa Bay picking through the free agent garbage pile. This is what he does. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to release players. get over it. Bryant is working out but Boston didn't. The Bucs are the sleeper team in the NFC capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone.

[gunn3r11]

If Bennett was a quality starting RB, KC wouldn't have traded him, and he certainly wouldn't have been let go by the team that drafted him. Gruden brought a championship to Tampa Bay picking through the free agent garbage pile. This is what he does. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to release players. get over it. Bryant is working out but Boston didn't. The Bucs are the sleeper team in the NFC capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone.

[gunn3r11]

If Bennett was a quality starting RB, KC wouldn't have traded him, and he certainly wouldn't have been let go by the team that drafted him. Gruden brought a championship to Tampa Bay picking through the free agent garbage pile. This is what he does. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you have to release players. get over it. Bryant is working out but Boston didn't. The Bucs are the sleeper team in the NFC capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone.

[Tom]

CW, I am tired of the Bennett talk also. If we kept him on the roster, it would mean putting either Caddy on IR or cut Clifton Smith. If Caddy is healthy, he deserves a shot. Smith is a beast on special teams and decent at tailback (for a rookie).

I've been saying this all year, but Arron Sears is constantly getting beat. Maybe I'm wrong, but Zuttah looks like a better guard right now.

[oar]

You people crack me up about this Bennett release. Why don't you let time tell. Maybe Caddy will do great with a line, maybe Dunn will have a great last portion of the year, maybe Clifton runs rampit(and corrects his fumbles). If all this happens, then a lot of you have made huge --- of yourselves. If not, then I'll jump right on that third grade wagon and eat crow.

[Common Sense]

Your right, I don't coach! I just like GOOD football! One question: Monte Kiffen=known for good defense. John Gruden=offensive "guru". Since John Gruden really only has to worry about the offense, why are they so bad?

[Tom]

Common Sense, good question. But why don't you why was Brian Billick's offense so bad with the Ravens? Why has Dungy's defense in Indy been mediocre?

I guess these coaches are bad coaches in your opinion.

[Tom]

Common Sense, Gruden's job is not just worry about the offense. He's the head coach. He has other responsibilities in all phases of the game.

WE'RE 7-3!! What are you complaining about?

[shane]

Just curious to know why the Vikings defender who hit Garcia about 10 seconds it seemed after the play near the goal line has not received a fine or penalty by the NO FUN league????

[Rob Hansen]

Offense ranked higher than in recent memory. ( 9th over-all ), Plus DEFENSE wins championships! I'd just like to see some runs outside or cutbacks, not sending Dunn up the middle with 2 300+ lineman ancored there.Remember, you can't run a draw on 3rd and long Rosita! ( at least against the QB Killa)!

[skp]

"My guess is he plays, unless Gruden is being completely honest here"

my guess is that it rains, unless it doesn't

[steve]

gunn3r11...put down the crack stem and "x"..or are you 10 yrs old?.the "bucs can go toe-to toe-..."..."sleeper team"???... "gruden brought a championship to tampa bay"???..
he won with dungy's team and defense, he will never win with all his own players and the bucs will not do anything in the playoffs...it is the midget's offensive juggernaut....

[Vince]

When you say Bennett was in Gruden's doghouse, do you mean because he could not block or play special teams? Or, do you mean because even though he was really, really good (not), Gruden just didn't like him? If you believe the latter you are a fool (or a Duemig disciple).

[John]

Who cares what you armchair quartebacks have to complain about. You would complain even if there wasn't a darned thing to whine about. All that matters is Bennet is gone and I say good riddance, we are 7 and 3 and if Gruden doen't want to let anyone know when Caddy comes back, So be it. I kind of like that sort of attitude and if you watch the other Coaches, they will tell you the same thing. Let them find out on game day. And CLAD, Bennet was worthless the day we took him in, PERIOD. If you are true Buc's Fans you would get off of your own whining BANDWAGON and get on the Buc's or go live in Philly where they would deserve you.

[Oliver]

Bennett wasn't great. Nice guy, but obviously struggled with the playbook, and for all those who say how good he was in pre-season...those were defenses with players who were unlikely to make the active roster. Lots of players can look good against them. Its a shame Bennett didn't work out, but he's far from the saviour that everyone seems to be painting him as.

The Bucs wouldn't have cut him if they didn't believe Cadillac was ready to go.

[Matt]

Not only are we 7-3, we have a top 10 Offence and a top 10 Defence.

I'd see Garcia passing 40 times this weekend, Dunn with 15 carries, Caddy with 5 carries and Smith with 5.

Our offence looks great between the 20's. If we could fix the redzone, we'd be scoring 30 a game.

[Valrico Rick]

You people seem to have a real short memory. EG was stuck being Mr. Preseason until injuries forced him in to the lineup, and now he is everybodies hero! Bennett never saw an opportunity to get enough carries in the regular season to show anything. You can call the man (Bennett) stupid, or untalented, or whatever you want, but if Williams and Pittman don't get injured EG is still running in the preseason and sitting in the regular season! You people don't know jack, and of course if would figure that you think the Fry Cook knows what he is doing! Are you happy struggling with the Chiefs and kicking field goals? I have been watching football since before there was Super Bowl and a Bucs fan since before their first game, and I have earned the right to say, the Fry Cook doesn't get! 'Nuff Said!!!

[eric (bucfan 4life)]

gruden was screwd out of a superbowl berth with tom brady tuck rule...dungys team? get off that for real. JG brought in pittman, jurevicous,mc cardell and dilger. i dnt remember them being on dungys team. we beat philly in the cold dungy couldnt do tht either..oh yeah we played grudens team in the SB37.steve go be a colts fan

[Valrico Rick]

...and when I'm upset I can't type, so be sure to pick on that! 'NOW 'Nuff Said!!!

[Stephen Holder]

Shane, don't be so sure. Fines aren't made public until the end of the week, usually Friday. We'll update you if we hear something.

[eric (bucfan 4life)]

all the gruden haters...find another team to root for here are some u should look at: miami, j-ville, instead of pewter and red try blue and silver u got bk,marinelli,barry,nece,and a handful of former bucs we shouldnt have let get away..half a game out of first and you find a way to complain. FIND A NEW TEAM

[JD]

First -- Stephen, thanks for always having some timely info. I appreciate the scoop. Second -- I am always shocked by the Gruden bashers on this site. Any long term Bucs fan will acknowledge we have been stuck with FAR worse than the Gruden-Kiffin combo we currently have. We have had 3 good coaches(McKay, Dungy and Gruden) and 4 awful ones in Bennett, Perkins, Williamson and Wyche. Good coaches, good management and good ownership have changed this organization. As much as people want to rip the Gruden-Allen combo, and they can drive you crazy at times, our team is 7-3 and very competitive. A lot of football fans would love to be in our situation. Finally, the running back situation is one no one counted on. Losing EG is big -- but there was an issue with Bennett. An UNDRAFTED ROOKIE beat him out. How can people be so sad about losing him? Nonetheless, our season will come down to the NO, Car, Atl stretch in 2 weeks. If there is a time to risk Caddy its in the middle of that stretch, not now.

[Clad]

The running game has been in the crapper the last 4 weeks. Dunn can't handle 20 carries a game.

I reiterate cutting Bennett was a boneheaded decision.

And to John, Bennett looked great in the preseason. He never was given a chance in the regular season. Gruden was enamored with Dunn and wouldn't let it go.

We better hope Garcia can continue to be the savior. He will probably have to throw for close to 300 yards a game for us to continue to succeed. And my guess is that he does it. Garcia rocks!

[Jon]

Bennet couldn't block out of the backfield and couldn't catch the ball.

He was useless in our system, after proving he couldn't handle the playbook.

Cadillac is looking good in practice, and Gruden likes to feed bull to the media regarding active personnel.

[The Iron Sheik]

you people are morons.Bennett is doing the same thing with the chargers now. and that is not playing at all. its funny when he was here noone could careless about him. now everyone crying about bringing him back! idiots! lol

[shane]

hmmm....there seems to be another shane posting here

[shane]

or maybe it was just me posting subconsciously...if that's the case I've gone completely insane but subconscious or not i agree with the other shane

how was gruden supposed to know that earnest grahm would go down for the year? was he supposed to fortell the future? u guys are all a joke now saying after grahm is injured that this was a terrible move. Not one person here knew he was going to get injured for the season. It is very easy to criticize now after its all done. Are the bucs 7-3 or 3-7 because everyone acts like they are 3-7?

[Dylan]

Valrico Rick, I might be mistaken but im pretty positive im not.. the games before caddilac's injury he was getting carries in the second half as a 2nd back to cadillac and was punishing defenders. Graham earned those carries in our first 3 contests before caddy got hurt by working hard at practice and playing well in preseason. I remember this because after watching them run as a tandum (with caddy getting more carries) I thought the bucs were going to have something special last year until the injury.

[Stephen]

We are 7-3 and everyone complains about Gruden. This a professional football team, if Michael Bennett was that good, shouldnt he still be starting in Minnesota and KC. NOPE. They gave up on him. Maybe he is too old. He is 29 and I hear that he couldnt grasp the playbook. I dont know about you but Im not putting a liability out there. Can anyone pull up the stats on bennett in san diego. He's lighting it up out there I bet. NOT

[Dt]

Do you idiots know Bennet was snatched up right after he was let go here? He was a veteran RB with good knowledge of the crappy system we run. He performed well in TC and PS. He was brought in for this exact scenario and now Captain Dumshit cuts him with 3 injured RB's. Let's put this genius label to bed right now.

[Paul Stewart, BUCPOWER.COM]

DT, wake up and smell what you are shovelling. Only two teams made a waiver claim on Bennett - San Diego and Denver. And the Chargers only did it to stop the Broncos signing him. There is a reason that now three NFL teams have given up on Michael Bennett - he cannot block, he cannot pass catch and he refuses to play special teams. All this thread is doing is proving that 99% of fans have no clue about the game.

[Jon]

The fact that anyone would even consider Bennett as a factor in gauging Gruden's success and ability is laughable at best.

You folks are beyond clueless, you're plain retarded. Behind the scenes of this team is a coach crying due to the limitation of his quarterback, a man who simply can't read progressions correctly, and his back stables, where nobody can stay healthy.

The system has big play potential in every snap, it's up to the quarterback to execute. Dancing for 5 seconds and checking down, all while ignoring a wide open streaking Bryant or Stevens etc....

[Itch]

We are 7 and 3. We should be 10 and 0 if we had an offense that could play consistently and score. We are in second place in our division. We have a tough schedule ahead. There is every reason in the world for paying fans to question STUPID decisions. In the NFL you are either the leader or the loser. All of you that are happy with 7 and 3 are losers that will be happy with mediocrity. Clearly letting go a player like Bennett who had a year of experience with the playbook and demonstrated ability to play, is hands down better than Herron who has been injured, does not know the playbook and has not proved anything in the NFL. Yes Bennet was traded several times. So was Thomas Jones, Michael Pittman, and many other good backs. That is business and not a statement on ther capabilities. You really sound like idiots with your "stop talking about Bennett he sucks" comments.

[Barak Obama]

Gruden is a subpar coach. If he did not have Monte, he would be a pitiful coach. His problem is that he makes his offense too complex for his own players and he only runs five plays wrapped up in 5,000 disguises that fool no one. He makes stupid roster moves and does not know defense for crap. The Bucs would be 10-0 if he could produce an offense that could score. Take it from the Prez.

[Stab]

I'll take Warrick Dunn all day long.

If he healthy and the line blocks he'll gobble up the yards.

Most DL's can;t even see him.

[ChargedCBH]

Clad and Mot, just like your names your comments are stupid. What has Bennett done for us in a regular season game? Nothing. Get over it! Let's see what Bennett does for the rest of the year since he is SO great.

[Dark Side]

Who cares if Bennett was good or not, the point is that he is gone. We should all be hoping Dunn to run like crazy so we can win (and i destroy in fantasy) and Smith to break some w/o fumbling. I was down on Gruden all yr, but the last game we had chances for the endzone. Bryants TD was called back due to penalties, and other things not his fault keep stopping us. Lets just get through this trap game because we know Detroit will be desparate. Wanna know something that really worries me, the fact that thier coach will know our system! This will be a good indicator of Grudens genious-ness. If he cant find a way to get past marinelli, we have confirmation that he sucks and someone that knew the system a few yrs. ago can still beat us, which means its true that Gruden doesnt adapt at all. But lets see what happens.

[Steve]

Next time you decide to bash Gruden guys go look at a power ranking first. I checked about 7 of them last night and the lowest we were was 6th, but 4th on the majority of them. Yes we should fire a coach for being possibly the 4th best team in the league that makes a ton of sense.

[eric(bucfan4life)]

gruden haters, here r some thing u should coplain about

trueblood drawing another flag in the redzone.
matt bryant not sealing the deal against the vikings
the defense screwing up during the last 2 min of the half at dallas
like isaid before FIND ANOTHER TEAM

[James]

4th best team with a top-10 offense... yea, Gruden sucks. Can him. (rolls eyes)

[James]

Tampa Bay fans suck...

You want proof?

1. See the majority of above posts about Gruden/Caddy/Bennett etc.

2. A friend bought an $85 face value ticket for $20 outside Gate D last Sunday... and to top that off, there were plenty of seats around my own that allowed for said friend to sit with us. A 7-3 team that can't even fill up the stadium with tickets that are available for $20 bones...

Will next Sunday be any different? I hope so. The "announced" attendance for last Sunday's game was 65K but the amount of empty seats made it look more like 60k.

[Bill]

ITS THE LIONS!!!

I WOULDNT PLAY CADDY AGAINST HIM EITHER.. THEY SUCK WE DONT NEED HIM.. MY GRANDPA CAN BE ARE FEATURE BACK FOR THE BUCS THIS WEEK!!

GIVE CADDY A LIL MORE REST AND BRING HIM OUT AGAINST N.O. FOR 10 15 CARRIES