Ink on paper never meant much in August, but for those obsessed with the Bucs’ running backs competition, LeGarrette Blount appears as the starting running back on the depth chart just released for Friday’s preseason opener in Miami.

Doug Martin is second. Mossis Madu is third.

Joe’s not naive enough to believe this means much, but it does mean something.

Interestingly, Madu is looking more and more promising. He’s spent his share of time with the first team during training camp, OTAs and minicamp, and Mike Williams gave him an intriguing shout yesterday.

“I’ve had a good camp, a couple of miscues, but I’m getting better each day,” Madu told JoeBucsFan.com yesterday. “Last year, I was happy with what I did in the passing game. I’m working a lot more now on chipping ends and all the fine details. I’m a natural fast learner, so I feel real comfortable with everything.”

Madu has been running on all special teams, mostly with the second units. So how about the real question, Mossis. Are you faster than rookie RB Michael Smith?

“No, no, man. That man’s real fast. I’m not lining up to race him,” Madu said.

However, it appears that right now Smith is chasing Madu.