James recorded six carries for seven yards in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Rams. In a backup role to Bobby Rainey, James was unable to make a substantial contribution in the Buccaneers' run game. Rainey, on the other hand, racked up 144 yards on 22 carries to solidify himself as the surefire backup to Doug Martin. With the team's lead back likely returning Thursday, James should see even fewer touches moving forward.

James (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against Carolina, the Buccaneers' official site reports. James is thus in line to serve as the Bucs' No. 3 running back Sunday behind Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey.

James (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against Carolina. James is ready to go for Sunday, but it's not clear whether he'll be able to get many snaps behind starter Doug Martin and fellow backup Bobby Rainey.

James (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice. James injured his right shoulder in mid-August, but with practices under his belt since Aug. 25, he seems poised to achieve active status for Sunday's contest against the Panthers. However, the final injury report of the week should reveal if he's trending toward playing third fiddle to Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey.

James (shoulder) did not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Redskins, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times said James' roster spot should be safe, adding that the running back doesn't expect the shoulder injury to be a long-term issue. Assuming the shoulder is playable, James figures to enter the season as the Bucs' No. 3 running back, and it isn't all that hard to imagine him passing Bobby Rainey as the top backup to Doug Martin.

James (shoulder) returned to practice Monday, the Tampa Bay Times reports. James sat out the Buccaneers' third preseason game while nursing a shoulder injury, an ailment that was previously considered day-to-day. With Charles Sims (ankle) still out, James has a fine opportunity to nail down Tampa Bay's No. 3 running back position leading into the regular season.

James (shoulder) will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills, the Tampa Bay Times reports. James hurt his shoulder in the Buccaneers' most recent preseason game. Although he considers himself day-to-day, James won't feature Saturday and neither will fellow running back Charles Sims (ankle). As such, Jeff Demps is presented with a ripe opportunity to impress once Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey are taken out of Saturday's contest.

James (shoulder) considers himself "day to day" to return to action, the Tampa Bay Times reports. James injured his shoulder during the Buccaneers' most recent preseason game. Although coach Lovie Smith previously stated James probably won't play this Saturday versus the Bills, the running back's day-to-day status offers more optimism. Additionally, with Charles Sims (ankle) currently out, James could benefit from added preseason snaps, as he looks to solidify his slotting on Tampa Bay's crowded, yet injured backfield depth chart.

Coach Lovie Smith indicated that James (shoulder) probably won't play this coming Saturday against the Bills, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. With Charles Sims out with an ankle injury, the report suggests that the Bucs could add some running back help in the coming days to bolster the team's depth at the position while James is sidelined.

James suffered a right shoulder injury Saturday against the Dolphins, Scott Smith of buccaneers.com reports. More on James' status as we know it, but the Bucs can ill-afford another significant injury at running back, with Charles Sims out for an extended period due to an ankle injury.