Bucs Graham out for season

It is official: Bucs running back Earnest Graham is out for the season with a right ankle injury suffered during his first carry in last Sunday’s win against Minnesota. He was placed on the Injured Reserve list Wednesday.

Graham started all 10 games for the Bucs and led the team in rushing (563 yards) and touchdowns (four). His 23 receptions for 174 yards ranked him fifth on the team.

The injury came one year after Graham established himself as the feel-good story of the Bucs 2007 season. He was the special teams lifer who took advantage of playing time created by injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman and proved he could be a feature back in the NFL.

Now, Graham’s injury opens the door for Williams’ return.

The Bucs also placed linebacker Geno Hayes on the IR on Wednesday. Hayes injured his knee covering a kickoff late in last Sunday’s win.

In related news, the Bucs signed running back Noah Herron and linebacker Matt McCoy on Wednesday.

Herron has appeared in 23 games in four NFL seasons. He has 273 yards and three touchdowns on 85 carries and has caught 29 passes for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

McCoy played three games for the Bucs earlier this season before being released Oct. 18.