Mike James
RB -
Week 5 Outlook
Availability
The Lions brought in three running backs, including David Cobb, for workouts despite having seven currently on the roster. Mike James, the lowest player on the depth chart, has been scarcely seen throughout the offseason.
Fantasy Impact
Mike James is a non-factor in 100% of leagues, but the team's behavior bears monitoring. It's unusual for an organization with so much depth at one position to continue seeking out players, even if it's merely due diligence at this point. One could speculate based on this news that the club is still skeptical about the injury status of its top-end players, namely Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. All indications currently point to the contrary; both players seem to be on track for full recoveries, and to suggest otherwise would be entirely preemptive.
The Bucs started out somewhat slow again, but ended up destroying the Bears 34-10. Mike James saw some action as the third running back. He had two carries for seven yards and one catch for five.
Fantasy Impact
James has no value in fantasy with Doug Martin back. Martin owners may want to add him to their watch list as a precaution if Martin goes down again with injury, but as of now James should be owned in zero percent of leagues.
Mike James got one carry for three yards and caught three passes for 17 yards on Thursday night against the Falcons.
Fantasy Impact
James returned to the Bucs after he was signed off the Lions' practice squad on Monday, but he was forced into action with the Bucs desperate at running back. It's too hard to glean anything from his brief time on the field, but if Jacquizz Rodgers and Doug Martin remain out in Week 10, James should likely get a healthy share of the carries along with Peyton Barber against the Bears.
Despite Doug Martin and Chris Sims not playing, Mike James saw limited touches and only managed 9 yards on 4 carries Sunday.
Fantasy Impact
James is clearly not part of the running back picture in Tampa. Bobby Rainey handled 19 totes to james 4, and Mike Glennon managed to run for more yards than James. With Sims and perhaps Martin back this week, James can be tossed aside with little consequence.
Mike James was thrust into Thursday's game against the Falcons after a Bobby Rainey fumble. He was then taken out of the game after rushing 4 times for 4 yards and catching 1 pass for -5 yards.
Fantasy Impact
You read that correctly. Mike James finished with negative yards. James had a great opportunity after the Rainey fumble to show the Bucs what he could do. If the game last night is indicative of what he can do, then he will not be in many games. Rainey and Martin are still the RBs to own from Tampa.