The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been getting great production from their running backs, but they could get a boost soon.

Rookie Charles Sims is eligible to return after the Nov. 2 game with Cleveland. Sims has been out all season with an ankle injury that was suffered in the preseason. He was placed on the injured reserve list, but designated to return.

Sims was eligible to begin practicing this week, but he didn’t. When asked if he might return to practice next week, Sims said he hoped so but that decision would be up to the coaching staff and trainers.

Whenever Sims returns, I think we’ll see a healthy dose of him. The Bucs used a third-round pick on him even though they didn’t appear to have a big need at running back. After drafting Sims, the Bucs seemed infatuated with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. They also liked his ability as a runner.

Starter Doug Martin hasn’t put up big numbers. Backup Bobby Rainey had a 100-yard game, but has been quiet the rest of the time. Martin rushed for over 1,400 yards as a rookie in 2012, but he doesn't have deep ties to this coaching staff and front office.

The Bucs obviously had big plans for Sims when they drafted him. When he returns, I think he’ll take on a big role in the backfield.