A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises a cartridge body, a proximal end, a distal end, a slot configured to receive a cutting member, a first row of staples removably stored in said cartridge body, wherein said first row of staples extends between said proximal end and said distal end alongside a first side of said slot, a second row of staples removably stored in said cartridge body, wherein said second row of staples extends between said proximal end and said distal end alongside said first row of staples on said first side of said slot, a third row of staples removably stored in said cartridge body, wherein said third row of staples extends between said proximal end and said distal end alongside said second row of staples on said first side of said slot, and a driver configured to support a first staple from said first row of staples, a second staple from said second row of staples, and a third staple from said third row of staples, wherein said second staple is closer to said proximal end than said first staple and said third staple.
