Bucs RB Ronald Jones is a healthy scratch for today's opener against the Saints. That follows a disastrous preseason for the rookie. Jones is still worth stashing on fantasy benches but isn't close to making an impact right now. Peyton Barber will serve as Tampa's lead back today, with Jacquizz Rodgers as the #2.

The Bucs have placed RB Charles Sims on IR with the knee injury he suffered in last weekend's preseason game. He was in line for a pass-catching role in Tampa's backfield. That work now figures to go to RB Jacquizz Rodgers, but it's unlikely to be enough to make him a fantasy factor. Sims' injury certainly doesn't hurt the outlooks for RBs Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones.

Bucs HC Dirk Koetter called RB Peyton Barber his starter again on Monday. We heard this back in the spring, but it's more meaningful now that we're in mid-August. Koetter went on to say that Barber "could be a three-down player if we asked him to." The 3rd-year back got the start in Thursday's preseason opener, handling the team’s first 6 RB touches. He took 4 carries for 21 yards and a TD. Rookie Ronald Jones, meanwhile, played just 1 snap with the starting offense -- and dropped a pass on it. He finished with just 9 yards and a score on 8 attempts. Koetter called his performance "pretty average." Jones is talented enough to make up ground in this battle, but it's looking like this will be a committee backfield to open the season. Don't forget that RB Charles Sims is also around to handle pass-catching work. Jones is way overvalued at his 5th-round ADP. Barber is a fine pick at his 13th-round price tag.

The NFL is expected to suspend Bucs QB Jameis Winston 3 games for violating its personal conduct policy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The ban stems from a March 2016 incident when Winston allegedly groped an Uber driver. Charges were never filed against Winston, but the NFL has taken a hard line in these situations since the Ray Rice debacle. Schefter does add that "the league still has not notified Winston of its official decision, and the circumstances surrounding it still could lead to an increase or decrease of the three games." So this doesn't sound officially official yet. But fantasy drafters should be planning for now on Winston missing the first 3 games of the season vs. the Saints, Eagles and Steelers. It's a blow to his best-ball value and makes him tough to draft in standard-sized lineup-setting leagues. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is in line to start while Winston serves his suspension. Fitzpatrick was serviceable in 5 appearances last year, completing 58.9% of his passes with 7 TDs vs. 3 INTs. He's unlikely to be more than a QB2 option -- especially with no teams on bye during those first 3 weeks -- but is at least capable of keeping the Bucs' skill-position guys afloat.

The Bucs have placed RB Charles Sims on IR. No word yet on his injury. With RB Doug Martin reportedly set to be a healthy scratch again on Sunday, Tampa will be down to RBs Jacquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough.

Bucs HC Dirk Koetter described RB Doug Martin's benching for Saturday's game against the Saints a "coach's decision. Koetter added, "We have four backs and we can't give them all touches ... We're blessed with good depth at running back, and this was a decision for today. It is what it is for today, and obviously we have to deal with what comes next." Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber were all active for Tampa Bay. Rodgers led the way with 17 touches for 78 yards and a score. Sims carried 3 times and caught 4 balls, while Barber finished without a touch. What the Bucs' backfield will look like for the finale against the Panthers is anyone's guess. Rodgers will be in the RB2 mix if Martin is inactive again. It'll be a situation to avoid if Martin is active.

ESPN Bucs writer Jenna Laine reports that the Buccaneers expect RB Doug Martin (hamstring) to return for today's game against the Bears but that they "still want to test him" before the game. That means we'll need to watch his game status later this morning. It's also a reminder of the risk that will remain in Martin's 1st game back from an injury that has kept him out since Week 2. As of Friday, the medical staff hadn't even cleared Martin to return. He'll be usable if active, but use some caution as you set your lineups. Peyton Barber would only be a fringe fantasy option for deeper leagues if Martin returns.

UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Bucs are expected to limit Martin's workload, which comes as no surprise.

Bucs RB Doug Martin (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for this weekend's tilt with the Bears, HC Dirk Koetter said Friday. Martin put in 3 limited practices this week. We'll find out his official status by noon ET on Sunday. If active, he'll be a risk/reward RB2 vs. a surprisingly stout Chicago run defense. If Martin sits, Peyton Barber will draw the start and be a low-end RB2. RB Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) remains out.

Bucs RB Doug Martin (hamstring) admitted Thursday that he's still not "full-speed." He added that he's "hopeful" that he'll be able to play against the Bears this weekend, but it'd sure be nice if he was more confident. Consider Martin no better than 50/50 for Week 10 -- and he'll be a risky RB2 if active. Peyton Barber will serve as Tampa Bay's lead back if Martin remains out.

Bucs RB Doug Martin (hamstring) remained sidelined for the team's unofficial practice on Monday. It doesn't kill his chances of returning for this weekend's game against the Bears, but it's not a good start. RB Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) also sat out on Monday. If neither guy is available by Sunday, RB Peyton Barber will draw the start.

Buccaneers RB Doug Martin has a chance to return in Week 10. The 27-year-old hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2. “We’re hopeful that after these three days off that maybe he has a shot at Chicago,” HC Dirk Koetter said. “But hamstrings seem to linger a little bit. We’ll have to wait and see.” The Bucs certainly need help at RB with Charles Sims and Antone Smith out for the year. Jacquizz Rodgers is dealing with a foot injury, too. For now, Peyton Barber and Mike James represent the only healthy RBs in Tampa Bay.

Bucs RBs Doug Martin (hamstring) and Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) are both out for Thursday night's game against the Falcons. Neither guy practiced at all this week. Tampa is left with Antone Smith, Peyton Barber and Mike James in the backfield. All 3 figure to be involved, making it a situation to avoid in fantasy lineups. Expect a pass-heavier approach than usual from the Bucs.

Bucs RB Jacquizz Rodgers has been diagnosed with a sprained foot, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. The location and severity of that sprain will determine how long Rodgers will be out. He won't play against the Falcons on Thursday night. With RB Doug Martin (hamstring) also unlikely for that one, Tampa will be down to RBs Antone Smith and Peyton Barber. It figures to mean more volume for QB Jameis Winston.

Bucs RB Jacquizz Rodgers injured his foot in the 4th quarter of Sunday's overtime loss and did not return. We'll look for an update on his status tomorrow. Tampa Bay hosts Atlanta this coming Thursday, which won't help Rodgers' chances of being ready. With RB Doug Martin (hamstring) also looking unlikely for that one, the Bucs might be down to RBs Antone Smith and Peyton Barber.