Bobby Rainey, Charles Sims' Updated Fantasy Value After Doug Martin's Injury

Latest Update from Wednesday, Oct. 29

Ross Jones of Fox Sports reported on Charles Sims' role in the Tampa Bay backfield going forward:

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'There's a role for him,' a Buccaneers team source told FOXSports.com. 'While he might not get No. 1 carries right away, he's definitely a third-down back and could possibly be a factor in the screen game. He's a player that has that game-breaking ability.'

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Prior Updates

Original Article from Sunday, Oct. 26

Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting running back Doug Martin suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s meeting with the Minnesota Vikings and his return was listed as questionable, according to Jenna Laine of Fox Sports 1:

Martin carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards and added two receptions before the injury. Backup Bobby Rainey took over as the team’s No. 1 running back. Martin did not return to the game.

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	Touchdowns
Doug Martin	10	27	2.7	0
Bobby Rainey	8	25	3.1	0
Mike Glennon	3	13	4.3	0
Mike James	1	1	1.0	0
Robert Herron	1	0	0.0	0

Fantasy owners who drafted Martin early have been utterly disappointed by his performance in 2014. Not only did he miss time earlier in the season with a knee injury, but he had only racked up 48 carries for 139 yards and one touchdown coming into Week 8.

To make matters worse for Martin and his fantasy owners, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting the Buccaneers may be willing to trade the running back before the deadline. As tough as a mid-season move would be for Martin, the lack of success in Tampa Bay likely would make a move a welcomed change.

In the short term, fantasy owners should consider picking Rainey up and playing him if Martin misses any substantial time. He has performed well, but he is just holding down the starting job until the Buccaneers are ready to unleash rookie running back Charles Sims from the injured-reserved designated-to-return list.

Sims should be picked up by all fantasy owners in all formatted leagues. The Tampa Bay coaching staff brought Sims in as the running back of the future and he should be given ample opportunities to win the starting job.

*Stats via NFL.com.