Bucs rookie running back Sims to undergo surgery, miss 12-14 weeks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Charles Sims will undergo surgery on his ankle, and miss at least 12 to 14 weeks, the team announced Friday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Charles Sims will undergo surgery on his ankle and miss at least 12 to 14 weeks, the team announced Friday. 

Sims, a third-round pick out of West Virginia in May's draft, was listed as the third-string running back on the Bucs' first depth chart of the preseason. He suffered the unspecified injury Tuesday in practice. 

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The Bucs can either keep Sims on the 53-man roster, place him on injured reserve or use the team's one IR/designated to return slot on him. Placing him on injured reserve would prevent him from returning this year, but a player who is on IR/designated to return can rejoin the team after eight weeks on injured reserve. 

Sims posted 1,496 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns last season at West Virginia. 

- Alex Hampl