Buccaneers’ Charles Sims out 12-14 weeks following ankle surgery
Tampa Bay rookie running back Charles Sims will be out for at least the next three months and perhaps longer as the former West Virginia running back will undergo ankle surgery on Saturday, according to Rick Stroud.
Bucs RB Charles Sims will have surgery on his right ankle and is out 12-14 weeks
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 15, 2014
Sims was one of the more impressive running backs at the Senior Bowl last February when he was compared to a Pro Bowl running back as he showed the ability to run the ball effectively and catch the ball our of the backfield.
He was expected to contribute as a reserve runner behind Doug Martin who hopes to have a rebound season after a sophomore slump and injury after a standout rookie season two years ago.
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Sims would have made his biggest impact on third downs where his skills as a receiver and pass protector would have been of great use. Without him for the first half of the season, the will have to rely on Martin to be the player he was two years ago and Mike James to be a quality third down back.
Furthermore, they’ll need rookie wide receiver Mike Evans and rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins to provide a spark and complement Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson in the passing game.
The Buccaneers were given a blow to be sure with this injury, but should have him back for the second half of the season if they place him on the injured reserve with the designation to return.
Sims totaled 1,496 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns last year with the Mountaineers.