Buccaneers running back Doug Martin will rehab his shoulder after suffering a torn labrum, and will target a return to action on Nov.11 for the team's Monday night game versus the Dolphins.
Doug Martin will target Nov. 11 return date, reasons for skepticism sprout among fantasy owners
The Buccaneers could potentially get their star running back to return to action earlier than expected. We break down the fantasy implications.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
This development, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, would certainly raise eyebrows if Martin returns at a limited capacity. The Buccaneers are 0-6 and reeling, and by the time Nov. 11 rolls around, the team’s place in the NFC South standings isn’t likely to change. As a result, rushing Martin back to action could potentially risk his long-term health, and there would not be any benefit in choosing that path.
Rapoport also added that if Martin has a setback, he will be shut down for the season’s remainder.
Fantasy Spin: It doesn’t seem like Martin is a candidate to return to action, and if he does, there’s no guarantee that he will be effective. The consensus first-round pick struggled to put up fantasy points for his owners this season despite receiving a heavy volume of work, and that isn’t likely to change at diminished health.
Thus far, Martin has found the end zone just once and has eclipsed 100 yards just once as well. Expect Mike James to carry the mail in Martin’s absence going forward, and barring an unlikely turn of events, it’s going to stay that way.
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