Tampa Bay plays its home opener today looking to rebound from a tough blowout loss last week and the dismissal of its starting tight end this week.

  • Tampa Bay vs. L.A. Rams, 4 p.m., Raymond James Stadium
  • Bucs favored by 5 
  • Tampa Bay has key injuries: RB Doug Martin, DE Robert Ayers 
  • TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins released Friday after DUI arrest
  • WEEK 3 Previews: Bucs, Jags, Dolphins 

The Buccaneers (1-1) host the Los Angeles Rams (1-1) today at 4 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. 

The Bucs will do so without tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who was released Friday after he was arrested earlier that day on DUI charges. 

Cameron Brate is expected to start at TE today for Tampa Bay, which is also trying to bounce back from last week's 40-7 loss at Arizona. 

Bucs preparation for the Rams took a big turn Wednesday when news of Doug Martin's injury spread throughout the organization.  They will now lean on year six year vet Jaquizz Rodgers- signed just last week and third year back Charles Sims, who the Bucs believe has earned the chance to be a lead back.

"Really they are similar in a number of ways," said offensive coordinator Todd Monken about Rodgers and Sims.  "They are both good in pass pro(tection), they're both good catching the ball out of the backfield, can run with power when needed and we're excited. I don't see an issue with us being able to run the ball this week based on who are tailbacks are."

"Trusting our guys," said Jameis Winston when asked about losing an option like Doug Martin, for a reported three weeks due to a hamstring injury. "The offensive line has been playing outstanding. Chuck(Charles Sims) is a playmaker. Jaquizz, he made some great runs. I'm looking forward to seeing them in a full game atmosphere."

"Obviously the run game hasn't been where we want it to be," said center Joe Hawley. "We want to get our running backs as many yards as possible. Get 'em to the second level. They (the Rams) have a really good defense. A really good front seven. Running the ball is gonna be big to set up the play action, help Jameis feel more comfortable back there."

Charles Sims is more of a pass catcher with speed. Rodger's plays more like Martin, in-between-the-tackles.  The Former Mr. Texas football is familiar with Dirk Koetter's system having played under him in Atlanta. He is experienced being the next man up. 

"Coming in anything can happen so you just gotta practice as if you gonna be the starter so when you're number is called there is no let down or drop off," said Jaquizz Rodgers, who had two carries for 29 yards in his Bucs debut against Arizona. "

"He's short in stature, but he's a muscled up guy," said Dirk Koetter. "He's hard to see back there. He's extremely hard to bring down. Really good quickness. Really good vision. Can catch the ball outta the back field and he's got unbelievable pop in his pass protection."