The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially announced that tailback Earnest Graham has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2011 season.

Graham, viewed by his teammates as a leader, played in all seven games this season and started in the last two. He injured his knee in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears.

Graham recorded 37 rushes for 206 yards and also had 26 receptions for 163 yards.

With starter LeGarrett Blount still on the mend with a knee injury, the Bucs are left with Kregg Lumpkin as their only healthy tailback.

Rumors have surfaced that Tiki Barber was being considered, but those rumors were not confirmed.

The Bucs also announced they waived long snapper Christian Yount. Yount signed with the Bucs July 27th and played in the first seven games this season.

The Bucs hope their bye week will give several players a chance to heal and be ready for their trip to New Orleans to face the Saints.