Mike James fractured his left ankle in Monday night’s game against the Dolphins and is “out indefinitely,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
For #Bucs RB Mike James, X-rays revealed an ankle fracture, per source. He is out indefinitely. Had 5 carries for 41 yards before exiting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2013
James carried five times for 41 yards for the Bucs on the opening drive, getting the offense down to the one-yard line before he was carted off the field following a tackle where Dannell Ellerbe landed on James’ ankle and trapped it between the turf and Ellerbe. After being initially ruled questionable to return, James was ruled out for the game.
Earlier this season Doug Martin suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, that is when James took over as the team’s featured running back.
Brian Leonard and Bobby Rainey split carries in Monday night’s win over the Dolphins, Leonard got 22 touches and Rainey got nine, but Rainey was the one doing work in the crucial fourth quarter. Coach Greg Schiano said he expects to use both Leonard and Rainey in a timeshare going forward.