Earnest Graham's late-season neck injury did not require surgery.

The injury looked serious at the time, and Graham acknowledges that he had no chance to play in the season finale. The 31-year-old is back to full health, but there's a chance he'll be released with a $1.15 million roster bonus due once the lockout is lifted.

The NFL is reportedly "insistent" upon HGH testing in the next CBA.

The NFL's performance enhancing drug policies have been relatively lax. "We want it. We think it's necessary. We're going to ensure that it's done," said NFL vice president and general counsel Adolpho Birch, who oversees the league's drug-testing program. It's not that simple, though. Like any new labor-related rule, HGH testing will have to be collectively bargained. In other words, it's just another bargaining chip once the two sides finally head back to the negotiating table. Earnest Graham of the Bucs estimated in 2009 that 30 percent of NFL players have used HGH.

Bucs FB/RB Earnest Graham is due a $1.15 million roster bonus once the CBA is finalized.

He also has a $2 million base salary. Graham posted an impressive 4.95 YPC and 8.13 yards per reception last year, but he had just two carries from Week 12 on. At age 31 with a declining role, he's a prime candidate for release.

Though Earnest Graham is wearing a neck brace this week, he insists his injury from Week 16 is merely a neck strain.

It was originally feared that Graham sustained at least a concussion and possibly much worse. Graham will not play against the Saints Sunday, but he confirms that the injury is not believed to be career threatening. Turning 31 in January, Graham could be a candidate for release this season with a $2 million salary and a $1.05 million roster bonus due.

Earnest Graham did not suffer a concussion in Sunday's win over the Seahawks.

He "only" has a neck injury, but it could still keep him out of the regular season finale, as the Bucs are calling him week-to-week. Graham has just two carries since Week 12, but him sitting out in Week 17 would ease some concerns that he could steal some goal-line work from LeGarrette Blount.

Earnest Graham is believed to have suffered a concussion in Sunday's win over the Seahawks.

Graham took what looked like a late hit from Aaron Curry in the second quarter and the fullback stayed down on the turf for several minutes. Graham has just two carries over his last four games.

Earnest Graham left Sunday's game in the second quarter with a neck injury.

Graham was hit on top of the helmet after a four-yard reception and had his neck bent in a funny direction. He is questionable to return.

Bucs OC Greg Olson said the coaching staff has discussed getting Earnest Graham more involved in short-yardage plays.

Graham did have a short touchdown in Sunday's game, but it was of the unconventional variety as a two-yard, halfback pass. Graham has been involved very little on offense in the second half of the season. Him getting some short-yardage opportunities won't be enough to make him a fantasy option, but it would hurt LeGarrette Blount if the rookie gets some goal-line chances taken away.

Earnest Graham threw one pass - a two-yard touchdown strike - in a Week 13 loss to the Falcons. He received zero touches otherwise.

Graham has been off the fantasy radar ever since the emergence of rookie RB LeGarrette Blount. His scoring strike came on a fluky option play when TE John Gilmore made a nice catch in the end zone with the Falcons keying on Blount at the goal line. Given that the former Gator plays primarily fullback at this stage of his career, his fantasy contributions tend to be of the vulture variety. Stay far away.

Bucs FB/RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 9 game against Atlanta.

Graham's absence means LeGarrette Blount will have even less of a threat for carries come Sunday. Blount is currently our No. 13 fantasy play at running back for Week 9.

Bucs FB/RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) has resumed practicing in full this week.

Barring a setback, Graham will take on his normal role against the Cardinals this week. He's not a fantasy option with LeGarrette Blount emerging in the Bucs backfield.

Bucs FB/RB Earnest Graham's hamstring ailment isn't expected to keep him out more than just the one game.

Graham wasn't able to suit up in Week 7 against the Rams, but it sounds like he'll give it a go this weekend. He's third on the depth chart now with the rise of LeGarrette Blount.

Bucs FB/RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) inactive for Week 7 against the Rams.

LeGarrette Blount becomes the favorite for short-yardage work as Cadillac Williams' backup. Other Bucs inactives: QB Rudy Carpenter, CB Elbert Mack, C Jeff Faine, OG Keydrick Vincent, TE Jerramy Stevens, DE Alex Magee, and DT Brian Price.

Bucs RB/FB Earnest Graham (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 7 after missing Friday's practice.

The downgrade from full practice on Thursday to no practice on Friday isn't a good sign for Graham's chances. He'll be a game-time decision against the Rams, but fantasy owners should look elsewhere for a bye-week sleeper.

Bucs RB/FB Earnest Graham (hamstring) was missing from the beginning of Friday's practice after returning on Thursday.

Graham may have encountered a setback on Thursday. He may be owned in deeper fantasy leagues, but he shouldn't be anywhere near starting lineups this week.

Bucs RB/FB Earnest Graham (hamstring) returned to a full practice Thursday.

Graham will play his normal complement of snaps against the Rams, but he's not yet a fantasy option behind an ineffective Cadillac Williams.

Bucs RB/FB Earnest Graham (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday.

Graham is still expected to play against the Rams in Week 7. The 30-year-old has been Tampa Bay's most effective runner on a per-play basis this season.

Earnest Graham is not expected to miss any games despite aggravating a hamstring strain against the Saints Sunday.

Graham probably could have returned to the game if the Bucs weren't getting destroyed. He's in line for a couple extra carries with Kareem Huggins (knee) done for the year, but not enough to make him relevant in fantasy.

Earnest Graham left Sunday's game against the Saints with an undisclosed injury.

Graham has been resting with sore legs. With LeGarrette Blount inactive and Kareem Huggins (knee) hurt, the Bucs are going three-wide often.

Earnest Graham (leg) returned to practice on Friday.

The 30-year-old fullback was essentially held out Thursday with old legs. He's fully expected to play on Sunday against the Saints, but he's not yet a fantasy option.