Bucs rookie RB Barber makes first NFL start vs. Falcons

Published January 31, 2017

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are down to their fourth starting running back, with rookie Peyton Barber filling in for the injured Doug Martin on Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

Martin has been sidelined with hamstring injury since Week 2. Backup Charles Sims made two starts before hurting his knee and being placed on injured reserves. Jacquizz Rodgers started the past three games, but was inactive Thursday night with a left foot injury.

Barber has carried 16 times for 91 yards and one touchdown this season.

Running back Tevin Coleman is inactive for the Falcons, as are safety Sharrod Neasman, cornerback C.J. Goodwin, guard Wes Schweitzer, defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman, tight end Jacob Tamme and defensive end Dwight Freeney.

Tampa Bay's other inactives are Martin, quarterback Ryan Griffin, tackle Leonard Wester, offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch, receiver Russell Shepard and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

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