Greg Schiano "optimistic" that Mike James can fill Doug Martin void

Greg Schiano has said that he is "optimistic" that Mike James can handle the starting role following Doug Martin's season-ending shoulder injury.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed yesterday that Martin will miss the rest of the campaign with a torn labrum, increasing the team's dependence on the rookie running back.

The head coach told reporters: "I'm optimistic, you have to remember that he's a rookie, after all those carries, I'm optimistic because he's a tough rookie. He's a rookie that has done everything the way we asked and even this week in taking care of his body.

"We call it prehab, even though there's not a particular injury, being preventative in your rehab, making it before the fact. He does all those things. You look at a rookie like Mike Glennon, [he] is doing the same thing. Let's not forget Mike Glennon got smashed a few times, I mean really hit hard, but [he's] another rookie who handles himself like a veteran.

"I think those are important things. Same thing with [tight end] Timmy Wright another rookie whose seen a lot of action and he's handling himself like a pro, taking care of himself. That's critical because these guys are all getting hit."

The Buccaneers face the Miami Dolphins on Monday.