Rainey amassed 85 yards on three punt returns in Sunday's 38-31 victory over the Jaguars.

Rainey continued his strong special team play with his productive day on punt returns, and two of his runbacks kickstarted drives that eventually led to Doug Martin touchdowns. His game-high 58-yard return in the second quarter set the Bucs up at the Jaguars' 17-yard line, leading to the starting tailback's 10-yard jaunt into the end zone on a third-down reception. Meanwhile, Rainey's 25-yard sprint midway through the third quarter allowed Jameis Winston and company to start the ensuing drive at the Jaguars' 40, a possession that culminated in Martin's one-yard leap into the end zone. On a team that must endure the trials and tribulations inherent in starting a rookie quarterback, Rainey's weekly special teams contributions have been integral in frequently shortening the field for the Bucs' offense.

Rainey returned three kickoffs for a total of 92 yards and brought back two punts for a total of 15 yards in Sunday's 37-23 loss to the Panthers.

Rainey continues to acquit himself well on special teams and has especially excelled on kickoffs, where he ripped off a long return of 38 yards Sunday. He is currently third in the NFL in total kick return yardage and fifth in average per return. Rainey did not see a carry or target from scrimmage for the second consecutive week.

Rainey returned one kickoff for 27 yards and totaled 48 yards on five punt returns in Sunday's 19-9 loss to the Texans. He also fumbled twice but was able to recover both.

Rainey made his mark exclusively on special teams this week, including punt returns of 23 and 13 yards. On the former, Rainey made a questionable decision to field the ball on the Bucs three-yard line, but redeemed himself by finding enough of an opening to set Jameis Winston and company up with some breathing room. His two fumbles are concerning, but Rainey avoided disaster on both occasions by recovering. As customary, Rainey's running back duties will be determined on a week-to-week basis, but he retains a hold on both returner spots at present.

Rainey did not register a carry but did secure his one target for eight yards in Sunday's 26-19 victory over the Saints. He also gained 37 yards on his one kickoff return and tallied 34 yards on three punt returns.

Rainey's role on plays from scrimmage will very likely vary week-to-week, but he retains a hold on both top returner spots, where he was productive once again in Week 2. Rainey provides valuable insurance as an every-down tailback behind Doug Martin, and also is a dependable checkdown option for Jameis Winston when he's in the ballgame.

Rainey was on the field for 13 of the Bucs' 74 offensive plays in Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Titans Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rainey, the Bucs' playing time leader among the running backs in 2014, tellingly opened the 2015 campaign behind second-year pro Charles Sims in the backfield pecking order. The third-year tailback did not see the field until the 5:39 mark of the final period, well after the game was considerably out of hand for Tampa. Rainey has done a serviceable job over the last two seasons when receiving extended playing time as a result of injury or the ineffectiveness of Doug Martin. However, a younger and more physically talented back that also happens to be a draft pick of the current Bucs regime, Sims, is likely to receive every opportunity to stay ahead of Rainey on the depth chart in the season's early going.

Rainey had one carry for five yards in Monday's preseason game against the Bengals.

After Rainey had six touches in the Bucs' first preseason game, Mike James got more of an opportunity Monday night. Doug Martin seems poised to lead the Tampa Bay backfield, with Charles Sims likely taking some snaps on passing downs. Rainey and/or James could also get some touches.

Rainey signed his one-year restricted free agent tender to remain with the Buccaneers on Friday.

Rainey began participating in the Buccaneers' offseason training program on Monday, so it comes as little surprise that he's now signed on for another season in Tampa Bay. Expect Rainey to compete with players like Doug Martin, Mike James and Charles Sims for snaps out of the backfield this season.

The Bucs have offered Rainey a $1.54-million contract tender, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The offer gives the Bucs the right to match any offer from another team, so in the absence of such a scenario, Rainey is in line to return to the Bucs' backfield mix (which also includes Doug Martin and Charles Sims) in 2015.

Rainey finished the 2014 season with 94 carries for 406 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also caught 33 passes for 315 yards and added a touchdown receiving.

Outside of a monster game against the Rams in Week 2, in which he gained 144 yards on the ground, Rainey was largely ineffective as a runner when the team used him. Through the air, the third-year veteran remained relevant as a pass-catcher out of the backfield for much of the season. That was not the case, however, in the final two weeks, as Doug Martin and Charles Sims established themselves as the primary ballhandlers in the Buccaneer backfield. Rainey's role with the team in 2015 will likely hinge on his ability to reprise his role as return specialist.

Rainey (wrist) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Saints.

Rainey likely won't see many carries behind Doug Martin and Charles Sims, but should resume his regular role in the return game.

Rainey (wrist) is probable for Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Rainey will be available if the Buccaneers want to use him, but he's not a serious fantasy consideration behind Doug Martin and Charles Sims.

Rainey (wrist) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

Rainey made his return to the field in Week 15 against the Panthers after a one-game absence, but failed to see a single offensive snap in the contest. Doug Martin led the charge in that game, followed by rookie Charles Sims, and a similar distribution will likely occur Sunday. Rainey should resume his regular role in the return game, however.

Rainey (wrist) is probable for Sunday's game against Green Bay.

Rainey is irrelevant in fantasy at this point due to Doug Martin and Charles Sims establishing themselves ahead of Rainey on the depth chart. He'll be available Sunday, though.

Rainey (wrist) practiced in full Thursday.

The reemergence of Doug Martin and pass-catching chops of Charles Sims have pushed Rainey down the depth chart, resulting in zero offensive snaps this past Sunday at Carolina. Because the duo have retained their health entering Week 16 against the Packers, Rainey is unlikely to break out of his current dry spell.

Rainey (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.

Rainey was held out of Week 14's contest against the Lions, but will return to action Sunday afternoon after missing just one game. He's seen his workload significantly reduced of late due to the return of Doug Martin and Charles Sims, making Rainey a risky fantasy play at best for Week 15. He should resume his regular work on special teams, however.

Rainey (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Rainey logged limited practices Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday. Even if he plays, Rainey wouldn't have an obvious route to fantasy relevance in a muddled backfield that also involves Doug Martin and Charles Sims.

Rainey (ankle) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rainey hasn't logged any activity since injuring his right ankle in Week 13, and an absence to start the week isn't an encouraging sign for his availability Sunday in Carolina. As long as he's out, Doug Martin represents the Buccaneers' clear No. 1 back, while Charles Sims acts as a change-of-pace option.

Rainey (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Lions.

Rainey didn't log any practice time this week, so it's not overly surprising to see him sit out the Week 14 contest. In his stead, look for Doug Martin to lead the Tampa Bay rushing attack, with rookie Charles Sims also in the mix for carries and third-down work.

Rainey (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit.

Rainey was unable to practice all week, so it's difficult to imagine him suiting up against the Lions with both Doug Martin and Charles Sims availability.

Rainey (ankle) has ditched his walking boot but didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

On Wednesday, Rainey was donning the boot on his right ankle, but upon its removal, his injury appears less severe than initially thought. Consequently, continue to monitor his status as the weekend draws closer.