Running back Doug Martin is “stepping away” from the Buccaneers to take care of some personal issues, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Martin was bumped from the active roster as a healthy scratch in Week 16 and the team was prepared to do the same in the regular season finale. The running back is expected to release a statement this afternoon.
[RELATED: Buccaneers Place TE Cameron Brate On IR]
In Martin’s stead, Jacquizz Rodgers is expected to get the start. Running back Charles Sims is headed back to IR after suffering a pectoral injury. Behind Rodgers will be running backs Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough.
Last year, Martin gained 1,673 yards from scrimmage and scored seven touchdowns. He parlayed that success into a five-year, $35.7MM extension prior to the start of free agency. He’s slated to be under contract with Tampa Bay through 2020 and his guarantees mean that there’s little point to releasing him before the start of next season.
This weekend’s regular season finale will, in all likelihood, be the end of the line for the Bucs. In addition to winning their own game, the Bucs can only make the playoffs if they also see wins from the Cowboys, Titans, Colts, 49ers, and Lions with the Giants tying the Redskins.
So you’re saying there’s a chance!!!
Bucs just need to trade Martin and move on to either Sims or bring in someone else. It is the obvious move at this point, To be honest I am surprised they let it get this far
Sims sucks – he proven that! Rogers is the real deal – pound for pound a RB with balls
The real deal? He’s never averaged 4.0 yards a carry in a season and isn’t built to be a starter. If he were that good, he’d still be in ATL. Players can evolve and he is skilled, but I doubt he can consistently tear it up and handle the load. He’s more of a Darren Sproles. That being said, I haven’t seen him play this year and I don’t know the quality of the Bucs’ O-line
Y’all can have Ingram
Inactive last week, stepping away this week… seems kinda like the team tired of him before he tired of them. Does he have drink or drug history?
4 game suspension and going to rehab
Let’s see ………….. injured every year sometimes multiple times and missed several games. Has a drug problem. Is suspended. Is stepping away from the game for how long? Really hope you get your life together Doug, but no NFL team should touch you with a ten foot pole. And if they did, you MIGHT be able to make the 10 feet, because that’s about your average run per carry.
Teams will definitely give him a chance. He has two 1500+ yard seasons to his name. As long as you aren’t committing domestic violence with video footage, opportunity will be there especially with proven stats.
If even not consistent