One question I get here (or anywhere I go) almost daily is whether the Bucs are considering using Michael Bennett more extensively. There seems to be an overwhelming curiosity about the guy.

It's understandable why people would ask.

Bennett has been at the very least a serviceable running back during his career and, at best, a dangerous runner with home-run potential. Yet he hasn't been a mainstay in the Bucs' offense this season. In fact, he has barely even been a participant (5 attempts, 11 yards).

Up until now, I've dismissed the question by simply asking in reply, "Have you seen Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn run?" But the answer is no longer that simple. The fullback position has been decimated by injuries, with free agent Jameel Cook plucked two weeks ago from his sofa. That has forced Graham to take some reps there the past couple of games, leaving Dunn to carry a bigger load. That was fine until Dunn got hurt and obviously was affected by his pinched nerve in Sunday's loss at Dallas. He had just three touches.

Despite all this, Bennett was inactive. It was a curious move. The easy explanation is that Clifton Smith was active after being promoted from the practice squad and the Bucs found it hard to justify activating three running backs. But they've had Bennett active at times this season as the third back, so it wouldn't be unprecedented. Furthermore, the Bucs until last Sunday had a dedicated return man among the gameday active players in Dexter Jackson, who took almost no reps at receiver.

Maybe we can bring some clarity to this later as the Bucs get back on the field today. All I know is that I'm not so sure what to tell all of you when you inevitably ask about Bennett.