In the wake of injuries to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Doug Martin and Mike James, fantasy owners wondered whether Brian Leonard or Bobby Rainey would be the team's next man up. If the first half of the team's game Sunday against Atlanta is any indication, that wondering is over, as Rainey had a huge first half while the Buccaneers broke out to a 24-3 lead.
Bobby Rainey has huge first half for Tampa Bay, fantasy owners
The newest Buccaneers running back scored twice and topped 100 yards int he first half Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Rainey ran the ball 13 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of Sunday’s game. Both of his touchdowns came in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Leonard had only four rushes for 16 yards in the first half, adding four receptions for another 21 yards.
Fantasy impact: Few would have argued against Rainey being the more talented Buccaneers’ running back entering Sunday, but Leonard had spent all season in the system, and was catching more of the team’s passes, so there was some reason to think he might have gotten more looks in the first game after James’ injury.
Those reasons were put to bed quickly Sunday. Barring any further injuries, it’s hard to imagine the team will go away from Rainey now, making him a potential flex play at running back going forward.
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