ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that RBs Charles Sims (knee) and Doug Martin (hamstring) will not play against the Panthers tonight. Both guys were listed as doubtful. That leaves RB Jacquizz Rodgers as Tampa Bay's lead back. The 5'6, 205-pounder has tended to struggle with big workloads. Look for a pass-heavy attack from the Bucs in this one.

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 RB Charles Sims suffered a left knee injury on the opening kickoff of Saturday’s preseason game against Tennessee. He was ruled out immediately. Sims isn't a major fantasy factor, but an extended absence would at least be noteworthy. We currently project him for 32 catches.

Bucs HC Dirk Koetter recently talked up RB Charles Sims' pass-catching ability. "At the very least, at the very least, Charles is a really good third-down back," Koetter said. "He's great in protection, really good on the perimeter, an excellent receiver." Sims racked up 203 receptions across 4 college seasons and has averaged over 3 catches per game as a pro. He finished 16th among RBs in PPR points back in 2015 on the strength of a 51-561-4 receiving line. That came despite Doug Martin's big 1,402-rushing-yard campaign. Martin, of course, is suspended for the first 3 games of this season. Sims could carve out a sizable role during that stretch and maintain it even when Martin returns.

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.

The Buccaneers on Saturday officially activated RB Charles Sims from IR. Sims hasn't played since the team's 4th game and likely returns as the #3 back. Doug Martin leads the way, and OC Todd Monken said this week that RB Jacquizz Rodgers has earned an "expanded role." Barring injuries ahead of him, Sims figures to make little fantasy impact the rest of the way. Martin's injury issues this season put Sims on the handcuff radar in deeper leagues, though.