Charles Sims Injury: Updates on Buccaneers RB's Ankle and Return

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims was battling an ankle injury heading into Week 12, but is active.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Sims Active for Week 12

Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com announced Sims' status Sunday morning. 

Friday, Nov. 21

Sims Listed as Questionable vs. Bears

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times has the latest on Sims:

Sims Battling Ankle Injury

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times first reported the injury:

A rookie third-rounder out of West Virginia, Sims missed the first eight weeks of the season due to an ankle injury. He broke his ankle in training camp and was placed on short-term injured reserve after gaining 45 total yards in the Buccaneers' preseason opener.

With Tampa Bay floundering on both sides of the ball, Sims' midseason arrival was seen as a potential beacon of light. The front office was so enthused that it put incumbent running back Doug Martin on the trade block, though Martin's own ankle injury limited his value. Martin, a first-round pick in 2012, has largely been dreadful even when not working his way through injuries.

"Very [excited about Charles Sims' return]," Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith told reporters as Sims was preparing to return. "As I talk about not being able to get more from our running game, of course it's just not on the front—we say it starts up front. A lot of the big plays you see happening in the league in the running game is based on yards after contact—making someone miss in the open field. That's all a part of it also."

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

In four seasons at Houston and West Virginia, Sims made no fewer than 37 receptions and drew Matt Forte comparisons even before he was traded by Forte's former coach.

Any long-term absence would be a frustrating blow for a Tampa team looking for some measure of hope for the future. The team's attempted fire sale at the trade deadline—wideout Vincent Jackson was on the block with Martin, while safety Mark Barron and linebacker Jonathan Casillas were sent elsewhere—made it clear they're already playing for 2015 and beyond.

The Bucs hope Sims is a part of that rebuilding. His skill set is a perfect fit within Jeff Tedford's offensive system and he's a potential three-down back if he continues improving. Of course, if he can't stay healthy, Tampa will have an awfully tough time figuring out what it has.

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