Herron adds a little backfield depth

The Bucs signed former Northwestern University and Packers RB Noah Herron to a free-agent contract Tuesday, adding depth to a thin backfield after the loss of Earnest Graham to a severe ankle sprain Sunday

Herron missed all of 2007 with a knee injury and hasn't played in 2008. He last saw action in 2006, when he rushed 37 times for 150 yards and caught 29 passes for 211 yards. He was among a few backs worked out by the Bucs on Tuesday.

It's not clear whose spot on the active roster Herron is taking, but the Bucs are likely to place both Graham and LB Geno Hayes on injured reserve. Hayes suffered a serious knee injury against Minnesota on Sunday, the details of which have not been revealed. He is expected to be replaced by a free agent who will provide help on special teams, Hayes' primary role.

As for Herron, it's not known where he will factor in the backfield, but the most likely scenario is that he'll be kept around in a role much like that of Michael Bennett, who played only sparingly before his release last week. Herron was a seventh-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2005 and later that year was signed by the Packers off Pittsburgh's practice squad.
Posted by Stephen Holder at 12:05:19 AM on November 19, 2008