Kenneth

Darby

Kenneth Darby is penciled in as Steven Jackson’s backup right now, with 2009 seventh-rounder Chris Ogbonnaya in the mix. The Rams failed to draft a running back, but added Oklahoma State’s Keith Toston and Idaho’s DeMaundray Wooldridge as undrafted free agents. S-Jax will likely be without a productive fantasy handcuff once again this season.

Asked if Ogbonnaya has the ability to be Steven Jackson’s backup, Spags responded, “Well, they should all think that way. Any back that comes in here should be competing for that, so we’ll wait and see what happens.” Kenneth Darby and Ogbonnaya split first-team reps with Jackson (back) sidelined for last week’s OTAs. Neither one would be a very appealing handcuff.

McCown played well, but fumbles by WR Maurice Stovall and rookie RB Kenneth Darby stalled his drives. Bruce Gradkowski was 7-of-11 for 113 yards and a touchdown, but McCown is still the likely backup to Jeff Garcia.

Ken Darby may be activated from the practice squad for insurance behind would-be starter Michael Pittman and backup Earnest Graham. The Tampa Tribune considers Cadillac sidelined “indefinitely,” although the Bucs call him questionable. “We’ll plan for the other guys to play a big role,” coach Jon Gruden said. If Williams broke his ribs, he would miss multiple games.

Well, that’s hardly an exciting pickup. Crockett is likely to fill a Mike Alstott-role in the offense, catching some passes and getting some short-yardage carries. This signing is great news for Earnest Graham owners - less competition for carries.

Darby also turned a short pass into a 13-yard gain. With Mike Alstott going on injured reserve, Darby’s chances of maintaining a roster spot have risen.

The rookie from Alabama was impressive in the Bucs’ preseason opener and has good hands as a receiver. This is a battle to watch in PPR leagues.

Gruden is normally effusive in his praise of players, so this comes as a slight surprise after Darby’s strong showing in the preseason opener. Gruden may not want Darby, a seventh-round pick, to think he has a roster spot locked up.

Sources told the Tampa Tribune earlier Sunday that Pittman has a slight fracture in his fibula and could be out at least three-to-four weeks. The team called the injury a sprained ankle. Coach Jon Gruden is usually direct about injuries, so we’ll have a better idea of Pittman’s status Monday afternoon.

Pittman will start games and get the bulk of the load, with Graham as a change of pace and rookie Kenneth Darby coming off the practice squad. Pittman has the best all-around game and should be your No. 1 priority on waiver wires if he’s available. Graham is also worth stashing in all leagues.