Banished to the doghouse, Michael Bennett should get handoffs from his former doghouse buddy, Jeff Garcia, in K.C. on Sunday.

Back on Sept. 16, Joe told you Michael Bennett was a bitter man. Bennett had a microphone stuck in his face in the Bucs locker room by the Pewter Report and referenced playing for a new team and how he might move on “with some other players.”

Per league rules, this video disappeared from Pewter Report’s Web site within 24 hours. Michael Bennett also disappeared since that time.

He’s been buried on Chucky’s bench or inactive, even when Bucs brass knew Warrick Dunn was banged up entering the Dallas game.

A former Pro Bowl running back, Bennett was handpicked by Bruce Almighty and Chucky to join the Bucs last year. At 30 years old with light mileage, he’s in his prime and ready to contribute.

Yet rather than use him, Chucky deactivated him last week and opted to moan about a “shortage of running backs.”

During preseason Bennett proved healthy, quick and consistent in the former Earnest Graham role of August workhorse, the go-to guy when the first-teamers left the game.

According to the Tampa Tribune, Chucky said Bennett may emerge from the doghouse in Kansas City this week and take some handoffs from his former doghouse buddy, Jeff Garcia.  

Joe’s pulling for Bennett.

Success this week will likely prompt Chucky’s forgiveness and have the coach expand his options to dress three running backs on Sundays. The Bucs could use all the offensive firepower they can muster.