Kregg

Lumpkin

In typical fashion, he started off strong against a 49ers front without NT Isaac Sopoaga (staph infection), but as the game got out of hand his role and production diminished. He finished the game on the sideline with his helmet off, and it’s possible the lopsided score led to his early exit. Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin would split carries if Blount misses any time, but neither of them has much, if any upside.

It’s usually the other way around for him, and one would think he’d have had some extra targets on the wrong end of a Bucs blowout loss. Should LeGarrette Blount’s knee injury cause him to miss any time, then Graham will be worth a look as a low-upside PPR play. Kregg Lumpkin, who had just 11 total yards today, would be a candidate to share carries, as well.

Kregg Lumpkin would serve as the third-down specialist and rookie Allen Bradford may get some change-of-pace looks. Graham figures to push for 15-18 touches as a power back that Josh Freeman feels comfortable checking down to. Graham is on the radar as a low-upside play in PPR formats this week.

Graham crumpled to the ground untouched as he attempted to make a cut. His right leg buckled, and he could put no weight on it as he was helped to the locker room. Kregg Lumpkin is now the only healthy running back for a Bucs team already missing LeGarrette Blount.

The meeting will extend into Friday. Lumpkin was not tendered as a restricted free agent by the Bucs. He’d have to battle for a roster spot in Seattle.

Lumpkin is a serviceable pass protector and plays on special teams, but he offers next to no explosiveness as a runner. He’ll compete for a roster spot.

After Earnest Graham (Achilles) went down in Week 7, Lumpkin took over as the featured passing-down back. That allowed him to rack up a career-high 41 catches for 291 yards. Lumpkin status with the Bucs going forward is unknown as a regime change is likely. He’ll be a restricted free agent.

We’re skeptical Blount is capable of handling the role in the long-term. He’s really just an early-down bruiser that has a total of nine catches in 18 career NFL games. Look for the Bucs to quickly realize that Kregg Lumpkin is a better option in passing situations. But for now, Blount gets a little boost in PPR formats.

Barring a setback, he’ll be active for the first time since Week 5 against the Saints. With Earnest Graham (Achilles) on injured reserve, Blount is expected to see increased work on third downs. With just nine catches in 18 career games, however, it could be a short-lived experiment with Kregg Lumpkin waiting in the wings.

Blount did get one carry in the second half, but Kregg Lumpkin and Mossis Madu carried the load. “It’s a basic thing, and to fumble like that, that’s unacceptable,” Morris said. “If some players aren’t ready to play, we’ll put others in.” Blount’s limitations in the passing game, run-to-contact style and tendency to fumble are all major long-term concerns.