James could be promoted from the Lions' practice squad for this Sunday's game against the Eagles, the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

James signed with the Detroit earlier this week in wake of injuries to the team's running back stable and could be promoted to the Lions' active roster already this weekend. With Ameer Abdullah (foot) on injured reserve and Dwayne Washington (ankle) unable to practice all week, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner embody Detroit's lone healthy options at the position, which could allow James to make his debut this weekend as a depth option. The 25-year-old James last played in 2014 for the Buccaneers and boasts 332 rushing yards on 79 career attempts.

James (undisclosed) reached an injury settlement with the Buccaneers on Wednesday, ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following a three-year stint with the Bucs, the team decided to part ways with James due to a vague injury he can't seem to overcome. In the wake of his release, Tampa Bay promoted rookie Peyton Barber from the practice squad and plucked Jacquizz Rodgers off the free agent market.

James has been waived/injured by the Bucs.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear at this stage what James' injury issue is, but with the move, the Bucs are down to two running backs on their 53-man roster, a depth issue that will no doubt be addressed in short order by either a practice squad promotion or free agent signing.

James has made the Bucs' 53-man roster, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-year back beat out undrafted rookies Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough for the job despite not having played in the final preseason game on Wednesday. James brings some experience as a young veteran, having tallied 79 carries over his first two seasons before not receiving a regular-season tote in the 2015 campaign. With Charles Sims often serving as a third-down, pass-catching back and potentially splitting out at receiver at times this coming season, it's conceivable that James could spell bell-cow Doug Martin for a series or two on a weekly basis in 2016.

James won't suit up for Wednesday's preseason contest versus the Redskins, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Dirk Koetter has opted to hold out his top-3 running backs (also, Doug Martin and Charles Sims) in the final game of exhibition season. In their absence, Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough will hold down the backfield.

James (rest) returned to practice Tuesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-year back was once again toiling away Tuesday in his quest to secure the third running back spot, a battle that figures to come down to Wednesday night's preseason finale against the Redskins. James will likely get a solid amount of work in a game that both Doug Martin and Charles Sims may take a seat for, leaving the former Miami Hurricane to display his wares alongside fellow candidates Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough. James does have the edge on that pair of candidates with respect to experience in head coach Dirk Koetter's system, having been on the Bucs' roster and practice squad for two separate stints last season, despite not receiving any carries.

James gained 17 yards on six carries and secured both of his targets for 11 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 27-21 preseason victory over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

The four-year pro is locked in a tight battle with both Peyton Barber and Storm Johnson for a backup running back job, and was able to find an end zone on a night when both of those players also made positive impressions. James secured a five-yard flip from Mike Glennon in the second quarter for a score. The former Hurricane has found tough sledding on the ground over his first pair of preseason games (13 carries, 20 yards), but has managed three receptions for 37 yards and Saturday's touchdown. The competition for a spot behind Doug Martin and Charles Sims figures to continue straight through the fourth and final preseason contest.

James received extra reps in Tuesday's practice due to Charles Sims (ankle) sitting out the session, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-year back is once again trying to shore up a backup spot behind Doug Martin and Charles Sims. James didn't exclusively soak up the extra reps that opened up with Sims' absence, as fellow veteran Storm Johnson and rookie Peyton Barber also got a crack at some fill-in work. The additional time on the field shined a larger-than-usual spotlight on the trio, giving head coach Dirk Koetter a rare extended look at some of his backfield reinforcements. "I've always liked Mike James," Koetter said. "Mike James is a solid player, but he's in a battle right now with Storm Johnson and Peyton Barber. Your 3-4-5-6 running backs will get some good looks in the preseason."

James had two separate stints on the Bucs roster in 2015, but didn't take a snap from scrimmage.

EDGE Analysis

The third-year pro made the final roster out of training camp, but was inactive for the season's first three contests before being released on Sept. 29. He was re-signed to the practice squad and subsequently promoted to the 53-man roster on Dec. 26, but nevertheless failed to get on the field over the final two games of the season. A sixth-round pick in the final draft of the Greg Schiano regime in 2013, James showed flashes as a rookie after an injury to Doug Martin provided him with some playing time, collecting 295 yards on 60 carries and notching 10 receptions for 43 yards over eight games. However, James played sparingly in 2014 behind Martin, Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey, and may find himself on the outside looking in once again heading into the 2016 offseason.

James is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

James was added from the practice squad a day earlier. With all of Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and Bobby Rainey ahead of him on the depth chart, James will likely need one of those players to suffer an injury before he has a chance at being active for a game.