The Buccaneers haven't gotten the job done when trying to run the football this season, and from the sounds of it, coach Lovie Smith is looking for new answers. And one answer could come in the form of rookie Charles Sims.
"Very [excited about Sims' return]," Smith said in a press conference Monday. "As I talk about not being able to get more from our running game, of course it's just not on the front -- we say it starts up front. A lot of the big plays you see happening in the league in the running game is based on yards after contact -- making someone miss in the open field. That's all a part of it also."
Sims has yet to play in the NFL after undergoing ankle surgery just before the start of the season, so there isn't much to go on here. Still with Doug Martin stuck in neutral, there is a chance for the talented rookie to get on the field, especially with his talents as a pass-catcher.
Sims has an uncertain road ahead of him if he is going to climb up the depth chart, especially with Bobby Rainey doing a solid job when getting the chance. Still, Sims might have the highest upside here, and the Bucs don't really have much of a reason not to give him a chance with their record sitting at 1-6.
There is no guarantee Sims will even have a role waiting for him as he is brought back from injured reserve, but there is a reason the team invested a third-round pick in him and designated him to return from the IR. If you have an open roster spot and are looking for a high-upside flier, Sims might be worth a look on waivers.