Doug Martin injured shoulder in 3rd quarter against Falcons

In their week 7 match up, the Tampa bay Buccaneers lost to the Atlanta Falcons, 23-31. However, they didn’t just lose the game, they lost star running back Doug Martin to an injury.

Martin injured his shoulder early in the third quarter, and was forced to leave the game because of it. He wasn’t able to come back later in the game either.

According to ESPN:

"Martin said after the game that X-rays “look fine” and the shoulder is not separated.“We’re still evaluating what it is,” said Martin, who added that he’s “not sure yet” if he would play in Thursday night’s game against Carolina.“Just have to hope for the best.”Martin will have the shoulder evaluated more thoroughly after the team returns to Tampa, Fla., Bucs coach Greg Schiano said.Schiano said it was too early tell how serious the injury is."

Martin hurt himself while trying to catch a pass in the end zone; he fell down on his arm after being hit in the shoulder by Falcon’s safety William Moore. Running in his place was Mike James, who had 14 carries for 45 yards.

I wouldn’t recommend picking up either of the backups of Martin in fantasy, as both Mike James and Brian Leonard had only accounted for a combined four carries for 12 yards this season before the game against Atlanta. I would strongly consider picking up another running back, or possibly trading for one, as it doesn’t look good for Martin’s possible return on Thursday.