There is finally some good news for Bucs fans! Tampa Bay Buccaneers star running back Doug Martin returned to practice on Monday after leaving the game Friday in the first quarter during the Bucs 25-21 preseason loss against the New England Patriots.
You can take a look at the play, which took place with 2:36 left in the first quarter, here.
Thankfully, Martin did not sustain a concussion during the incident; however, he avoided contact during practice simply as a precaution.
WR Tiquan Underwood returned to practice today but CB Danny Gorrer did not. Doug Martin practiced, but without contact just to be cautious.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 19, 2013
Martin has said that he “feels fine” and is ready to take the field in the Bucs’ third preseason outing on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins.
RB Doug Martin says he feels fine and is ready to play on Saturday.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 19, 2013
However, don’t get your hopes up yet. There is still a chance that Martin may not get to play this weekend. That decision lies squarely in the hands of Buccaneers Head Coach Greg Schiano.
#Bucs RB Doug Martin says he wouldn't mind playing at Miami: "I would like to get some snaps in there but again, it's the coach's decision"
— 95.3 WDAE & AM 620 (@953WDAE) August 22, 2013
The Buccaneers are already facing down adversity, as NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton told 620WDAE in an interview that QB Josh Freeman was “God awful.” Freeman has seen very little play during the preseason, and has seen subpar results thus far.
One can only hope that Martin can get back on the field as soon as possible. He is definitely a driving force on the offense.
Last season, Martin led the Bucs in rushing with 1,454 yards on 319 attempts for 4.6 yard average.