Buccaneers' Antone Smith: Could see added work Thursday

With Doug Martin still ailing and Jacquizz Rodgers now injured and not expected to play Thursday against the Falcons, Smith figures to see an expanded role in the Bucs' Week 9 backfield, ESPN's Jenna Laine reports.

Also in the mix for the team's carries could be Peyton Barber and even Mike James, with a committee approach a likely outcome. While neither of the three backs is a clear-cut plug and play for Martin/Rodgers, Smith's utility in the passing game figures to keep him involved, in any case, thus making him an option for those scrambling for running back help in a week where six NFL teams are on bye.