Mossis

Madu

Madu functioned as the primary back along with Kregg Lumpkin after the Bucs fell behind 42-0 in the first half. He’s really just a practice squad talent, but the Bucs were desperate for a running back that can catch late in the year. Madu will have to impress the new regime just to make the roster in 2012.

Madu operated as the Bucs’ change-of-pace back and saw increased playing time because Tampa Bay was trying to come back from a huge early deficit. He was noticeably on the field ahead of LeGarrette Blount in hurry-up type situations. Madu can be grabbed in the deepest of PPR leagues, but he’s no better than a poor man’s Joe McKnight. He doesn’t have an “emerging” role.

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.

Olson added that Madu has potential as a third-down back and understands the protection schemes. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, Madu had already begun eating into Kregg Lumpkin’s snaps last week as the passing-down back in comeback mode. He’s only worth adding in deeper PPR formats.

Madu appeared in nine games as a rookie last season, rushing 15 times for 55 yards and adding 10 catches for 72 yards. He lost out to 2012 seventh-rounder Michael Smith for the No. 3 RB job this year. Madu does not have practice squad eligibility.

Beat writer Stephen Holder suggests the situation is fluid since the Bucs didn’t immediately make the move upon placing Graham on injured reserve. The Bucs are expected to look out outside the organization this week, though Madu does seem to be ahead of Chad Spann in the practice squad pecking order.

With Earnest Graham (Achilles) done for the season, Madu gets the call over fellow practice squad RB Chad Spann. However, LeGarrette Blount (knee) is expected to be ready after the bye. Madu will just be insurance.

“I’m really confident about Blount,” Morris said. “We’ve got two weeks off. He looked good running last week. He looked better today. He’ll have another week of rest and he’ll be able to come back (next) week, get a bunch of treatment and be ready to go. Here we go.” Blount participated in about two-thirds of the Bucs’ light workout Wednesday, a sure sign his knee is nearing 100 percent. Look for Blount to start against the Saints in Week 9, with Kregg Lumpkin and Mossis Madu serving as backups.

A third-down back who appeared in nine games for the Bucs back in 2011, Madu lasts just three weeks with the Jets.

25-year-old Madu is a third-down back. The Jets need him due to so many in-camp injuries at tailback. Campbell last played spent time with the Rams.