Like Mike James, many Bucs fans covered their face when James fractured his ankle. But backup RB Bobby Rainey saved the day.

So the Bucs, down Doug Martin, seemed to have found a solid replacement in Mike James. The rookie ran for 158 yards last week at Seattle. He started Monday night’s game with 41 yards on five carries when he was rolled up on and fractured his left ankle.

Brian Leonard replaced James and largely was inconsistent, so the Bucs turned to recently signed Bobby Rainey, who last carried a football in Week 5 when with the Browns. He was walking the streets when the Bucs signed him.

Monday night, Rainey blew up. He had 45 yards on eight carries, his longest a 31-yard scamper down the left sideline where he was knocked out at the Dolphins-1.

Undaunted, Rainey then plunged in from the 1 for the Bucs’ winning touchdown.

Even though the Bucs stink, you have to give credit to Bucs running backs coach Earnest Byner for getting his players ready to play at a moment’s notice.

If not for Rainey, there’s a good chance the Bucs don’t record their first win Monday.