Doug Martin’s shoulder injury thought to be ‘serious’; Could miss ‘weeks’

As one of just three win-less teams in the NFL, the news really couldn’t get much worse for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Or, at least, so we thought.

Starting running back Doug Martin exited the Bucs’ game in Week 7 with a shoulder injury, an injury which is believed to be ‘serious’ according to Ian Rapoport and could keep him out ‘weeks’:

"As if the #Bucs needed more bad news: I’m told the shoulder injury to RB Doug Martin is serious. Could be out several weeks or longer."

Martin hurt the shoulder on an outlet play where he ran down the sidelines, diving for a catch. As he dove, he was hit by a defender in his shoulder, though the hit appeared clean. Martin remained down on the sidelines for a few moments before exiting the field of play.

Assuming Martin is to miss time, Mike James will likely take over the starting running back duties for the Buccaneers though will not be greeted with the most friendly schedule as he’ll face the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins’ front seven in the next three weeks.