The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping for the best but they are already fearing the worst, as running back Doug Martin could be out for the season with a shoulder injury and that means he is likely out for Week 8 against the Panthers on Thursday night, making Mike James and Bobby Rainey sleeper starting options for fantasy football owners.
James came in for Martin after he left the game on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and after injuring his shoulder, the team is worried that he could be out for the season. ESPN.com is reporting that Martin has a torn labrum and that he will be out "indefinitely" for now and he could be out for the rest of the season depending on the severity of the injury. The Buccaneers lost on Sunday against the Falcons to remain winless this season and Martin finished the day with 11 carries for 47 yards and now his season could be over.
James is more of a starting option for fantasy owners than Rainey since he was just claimed off waivers from the Browns, but if Martin is out for an extended period of time this season, Rainey could get some carries and could be an option in deeper leagues. James came into the game with just three carries for 12 yards over his previous three games and in relief of Martin he ended up with 14 carries for 45 yards and he also made three catches for eight yards. If the Miami product can be a solid option out of the backfield, he could get plenty of touches and with Rainey just coming on and the game on Thursday, he likely will be the starting back.
James is young, but he has quick moves and good speed and the Buccaneers clearly trust him enough, as he had 17 touches after coming in for Martin and that could continue as long as he is out. Martin got tests on his shoulder and he came out of the game in the third quarter of the loss when he was hit trying to make a catch. While Martin has not had as productive as a season as he had last year as a rookie, he still was one of the best backs in the NFL, ranking in the top 10 in both rushing yards per game and yards overall with 456 rushing yards and now his season could be finished with his shoulder. Last year Martin was a burst of energy while playing in all 16 games, rushing for 1,454 yards on the season with 11 touchdowns and he also was a force in the passing game, going for 49 catches for 472 yards and another touchdown.
The Buccaneers are starting a rookie quarterback in Mike Glennon and the team is still winless with the Carolina Panthers coming up next on Thursday night football in a divisional matchup. The team is ranked 20th in the league with just over 100 yards per game rushing and that could take a hit if Martin goes down for the season. The offense is gaining less than 200 yards per game in the air and while Glennon has been solid since coming in, losing Martin could make things much tougher. If James can show some productivity on Thursday, he could be a bit option for fantasy owners going forward.
