The return of starting running back Doug Martin at Week 10 is starting to look promising after he was spotted practicing with the rest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday. This means there's a big chance that he might be on the field when the team takes on the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Martin has been absent on the field ever since Week 2 after he suffered a hamstring injury during the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, the Buccaneers have been relying on backup RBs Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber.
But, earlier this week, Martin was seen practicing with the team for the very first time after suffering his injury. Although he was limited during the session, it shows that Martin is starting to get ready for his comeback on the field.
Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter, on the other hand, did not confirm if Martin will start in the upcoming game against the Bears. This means there is still a chance he might sit out the Week 10 game.
Martin's potential return will surely be considered as a huge relief for the team since the Buccaneers have been struggling in the backfield all season long. Aside from Martin, the team also lost Charles Sims after he was placed on injured reserve and is not yet clear if he'll be able to return this season.
Also, Martin's backup Rodgers injured recently injured his foot at Week 8 against the Oakland Raiders. With both these men out, Barber has been taking on the heavy load as the lone running back.
Getting Martin back on the field will surely alleviate some of the Buccaneers problems with its defensive plays. However, even though he is still the team's starter, the Tampa Bay will most likely be careful in playing Martin.
If he does make it back this Sunday, Koetter will probably put him in rotation with Barbers to ease the athlete's transition into the active roster. There's also a chance that Fourth stringers Mike James and Russell Hansbrough might see a bit of play time this Sunday against the Bears.
