Editor’s Update: Doug Martin is INACTIVE
Doug Martin unlikely to play Thursday, per report; Bobby Rainey has fantasy value
Doug Martin might miss Thursday’s game with an injury. We break down the fantasy implications.
Cliff McBride
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is unlikely to play in Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Martin is dealing with a knee injury that forced him out of the team's Week 2 game against the St. Louis Rams. Martin has missed practice time and is officially a game-time decision for Thursday's game.
There were some reports suggesting that Martin could play on Thursday, but perhaps the strong play of backup Bobby Rainey has made the decision to give Martin another game to rest a bit easier. Rainey carried the ball 22 times for 144 yards and caught three passes for 30 yards against the Rams.
Fantasy Impact: It sounds like Martin isn’t going to play, which might be a good thing for him in the long run. Martin has top-flight running back potential and getting healthy should be a priority. For fantasy owners, Rainey is an excellent handcuff and the Falcons have a much, much worse run defense than the Rams. Expecting another 144 yards isn’t exactly realistic at this point, but Rainey is a solid start for Martin owners.
