The Buccaneers may have to turn to Warrick Dunn or James Wilder at this rate.
Coach Greg Schiano confirmed during his Tuesday press conference that running back Mike James broke his left ankle in Monday night’s victory over the Dolphins and that James would miss the rest of the season as a result. James’ injury comes less than a week after they placed Doug Martin on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
James ran the ball well over the last two weeks, picking up 158 yards in a Week Nine loss to the Seahawks and then gaining 41 more on five carries before getting hurt against Miami. The 2012 sixth-round pick should have every opportunity to reclaim a backup role to Martin next season.
For the rest of this season, Schiano said that Bobby Rainey and Brian Leonard will handle the running duties. They combined for 102 yards on Monday night and Rainey scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.