TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have an extra running back at Wednesday’s practice.

Rookie Charles Sims will practice for the first time since the preseason. Sims has been on injured reserve with the designation to return due to an ankle injury. Sims isn’t eligible to play until the Nov. 2 game against Cleveland.

Sims’ return brings some intrigue to the backfield. Doug Martin has been averaging only 2.9 yards per carry. It’s important to keep in mind that Martin was inherited by the current coaching staff.

That same staff and the front office saw some reason to use a third-round pick on Sims when there appeared to be bigger needs at other positions. It’s likely the Bucs will try to work Sims into the rotation gradually.

But Sims could end up playing a lot more as the season goes on.