Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin appears to be close to a return. Head coach Lovie Smith hinted on Monday that Martin would've been available if they held practice that day. The Bucs have a short week to prepare for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Doug Martin ‘in play’ for Thursday, still a risky fantasy play
After sitting Doug Martin in Week 2, the Bucs indicated that he will be back in time for Thursday’s game. We break down the fantasy implications.
Cliff McBride
Martin suffered a knee injury in the season opener and was held out of Sunday's Week 2 loss to the St. Louis Rams. He had a forgettable Week 1, gaining just 16 total yards on 10 touches. Bobby Rainey got the start in Martin's place, rushing for 144 yards on 22 carries.
Fantasy impact: Martin might be healthy enough to play, but Rainey’s standout performance makes the leash that much shorter. Now going on his second year of ineffective, injury-riddled play, Martin’s breakout 2012 season is quickly becoming a distant memory. He still has a chance to turn things around against a porous Falcons run defense, but fantasy owners shouldn’t give the Muscle Hamster the benefit of the doubt anymore. Rainey is worth keeping around in 12- and 14-team leagues.
