Mike James Released by the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have made a roster move today, releasing Mike James and leaving the depth chart with only Doug Martin and Charles Sims.
As we looked at the Buccaneers‘ 53 man roster, we noticed that there were only three active players at the running back position. There was Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and Mike James. It seemed a bit thin, but who are we to judge?
Well, there has been a change, take a look:
As of the writing of this post, no corresponding move was announced to go along with the loss of James. Whether he goes claimed or not, there is an open position on the 53 man roster. Who fills it?
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It would make sense that it should be a running back. With only two on the depth chart they need help. The two are two of the best in Martin and Sims, but if the unthinkable happens the Bucs are obviously in trouble. They need to get deeper at running back and do it quickly.
An easy thing to do would be to bring someone up off of the practice squad. Two running backs that were vying for a spot in training camp are available, Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough. Of the two, the more likely selection would be Barber as he saw the most action during camp, carrying the ball 39 times for 99 yards. It’s not that he lit it up, but the coaching staff seemed the most comfortable with him.
They also might look to the outside. According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Bucs held a workout with Jacquizz Rodgers last night, and though he hasn’t been given a contract as of this post, that looms as a possibility as well. Or, there could be other names coming down the way that we haven’t heard about yet.
As long as we have the best 53, we wait and see what happens.