When this week started, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith was singing the praises of third-round draft pick Charles Sims. On Friday, Smith learned that his running back will undergo surgery on his right ankle.
The team announced that Sims is expected to have a recovery timetable of 12-14 weeks.
In a best-case scenario, he won't be ready until midseason. That would make him a prime candidate for the injured reserve-designated for return tag.
Drawing comparisons to Matt Forte, the former West Virginia star was billed as a passing-down complement to starter Doug Martin.
Smith and offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford have envisioned a committee backfield, with Sims playing an integral role.
Now that Sims is out of the early-season picture, Bobby Rainey is the favorite for change-of-pace duties, with Mike James also in the mix.
While the injury disrupts Smith's plans, it's music to the ears of fantasy football players worried about Martin's workload taking a major hit in 2014.
The latest "Around the League Podcast" talks quarterback battles and debates the gang's preseason power rankings.
