With the surprising news this morning that Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman will miss Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, running back LeGarrette Blount will be looked to even more than usual to provide offense for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is looking to avoid a sixth straight loss, and stay out of the cellar in the NFC South.

The fantasy football projection site numberFire ranks Blount as the sixth best option at running back this weekend. The Tampa Bay RB's projected stats: 19.57 car, 87.27 yds, 2.08 rec for 16.26 yds, 0.68 TDs for 14.42 points.

For the season, Blount has rushed 138 times for 644 yards and four touchdowns. In his only other matchup with the Panthers, Blount rushed for 91 yards on 19 carries, scoring a touchdown.

For more on the Panthers head over to Cat Scratch Reader. For more on the Buccaneers, check out Bucs Nation. Follow the rest of Week 13 at SB Nation NFL.