Bucs RBs Doug Martin, Mike James have surgery

By foxsports
Published

TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin underwent surgery Friday for a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
 
The operation came a week after the Boise State product was placed on injured reserve after sustaining the injury in a Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. A Pro Bowl selection last year, Martin ran for 456 yards on 127 carries this season.
 
Meanwhile, rookie running back Mike James had surgery Thursday for a left ankle that was fractured in the victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium. James, taken in the sixth round from the University of Miami, ran for 295 yards on 60 carries this season. He was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
 
"We'll get them both fixed up," Bucs coach Greg Schiano said Friday.
 
In the absence of Martin and James, running backs Brian Leonard and Bobby Rainey are expected to receive a heavier workload. Leonard had a game-high 57 yards on 20 carries and Rainey 45 yards on eight carries in the victory over the Dolphins. In addition, the Bucs signed rookie running back Michael Hill from the Green Bay Packers' practice squad Wednesday.
 
Tampa Bay (1-8) hosts Atlanta (2-7) on Sunday.
 
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.