Bennett looking for playing time

The addition of running back Michael Bennett was seen as essential after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman.

But Bennett hasn't felt like a part of the plan given his lack of usage by the Bucs since his trade to Tampa Bay in October.

He spoke out a bit today about his frustrations. He was seething after another light day on Sunday, but he spoke with a cool head today, careful not to be critical of coach Jon Gruden's decision not to use him. Bennett did not have a carry in the loss to Houston.

"I just want to play," Bennett said. "Maybe it's three or four plays a quarter. I just don't want to be sitting on the sidelines cold and then, at the spur of a moment, go in. I'm comfortable with three or four plays a quarter. I want to have some feeling for what they're doing, the different looks they've got. It's easy to look at it on the sideline, but then, when you’re in the game, it's a lot different."

He later added: "I can't sit here and say what's right and what's wrong. (Gruden) is the head coach and, obviously, I haven't gained his trust enough to get out on the field. So, that's the way I’m looking at it. I’ve been here a month and a half and I’m comfortable with a lot of things. But I’m not going to grasp all of it in three months."

Bennett has rushed 11 times since being traded to Tampa Bay on Oct. 23. For his part, Gruden said today the Bucs would likely need to call on Bennett down the stretch and need him to step up. Not sure how you do that without cracking the lineup. But as long as Graham keeps running like he is, don't expect Gruden to mess with a good thing.