NEW ORLEANS – The last time we checked in with Michael Bennett, the running back didn’t even think he would dress for today’s season opener, much less play in it.

If that proves to be the case, it’s going to be quite a blow to Bennett. He pretty much out-Augusted Mr. August – Earnest Graham, running 45 times for 203 yards and a touchdown and catching 10 for 52 yards.

But that’s preseason for you. It really doesn’t mean a thing. Unless, of course, you return a punt for a touchdown, in which case you win the return man’s job.

That’s what happened to Dexter Jackson. Jackson earned a roster spot and his place in today’s lineup based largely on the fact that he had a tremendous game against Houston in the exhibition finale.

As it turns out, it could be Jackson who keeps Bennett off the field today. The Bucs can only dress so many backs and rececivers and if Bennett is going to return kicks but not catch passes someone else has to sit.

That person appears to be Bennett, at least for now. We’ll have the full contingent of inactives in a couple of hours. As Coach Jon Gruden promised, there will probably be some surprises.