The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are welcoming running back Charles Sims to the backfield committee.
The team activated the rookie from the injured reserve-designated to return list Saturday.
With Doug Martin doubtful due to an ankle injury, Sims could share some of the load with Bobby Rainey, who will likely get most of the backfield work as the team eases the rookie back into game shape.
The Bucs lavishly glowed about Sims' potential during the offseason before the running back suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. The initial recovery timetable was 12 to 14 weeks, which puts Sims return from IR-recall a week ahead of schedule.
With the Bucs' season all but lost, the ending stretch should provide Sims plenty of chances to show the Bucs that they can move on from Martin and others, whom the current administration didn't draft.
UPDATE: Sims will not playSunday against the Browns, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, via a team source. Though the rookie is ready, Tampa Bay wants to wait another week before he sees game action. The team later announced that Sims was inactive.
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