The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers took yet another blow on Sunday. Not only did the team drop to 0-6 with a 31-23 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta, but one of the team's best weapons is lost for the year after running back Doug Martin injured his shoulder and was diagnosed with a torn labrum.
Martin left the eventual defeat in the third quarter when he was hit by Falcons safety William Moore while attempting to catch a pass. The original diagnosis left Martin and the Bucs hopeful as the running back told ESPN that the X-rays on his shoulder looked "fine" and that he didn't believe he separated his shoulder.
That diagnosis, however, appears to have changed as Martin is now done for the year.
Mike James took over at running back for Martin when he was hurt, and it appears as though his role will extend for the rest of the season unless the Bucs make a move prior to the Oct. 29 trade deadline. James rushed for 45 yards on 14 carries and had three receptions for eight yards without reaching the end zone Sunday.
Prior to the injury, Martin rushed for 47 yards on 11 carries and had one reception for seven yards, but he never reached the end zone before getting hurt. On the season, Martin has 127 carries for 456 yards and a score. Martin, in just his second year as a pro, has 12 touchdowns in his career with the Bucs and has rushed 446 times for a total of 1,910 yards.
The Bucs will have a quick turnaround this week and look to get their offense going under signal caller Mike Glennon as the Bucs host their division rival Carolina Panthers (3-3) on Thursday.
Martin and the Tampa Bay run game has been very disappointing thus far this season as he's been hit many times in the backfield and has only averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Tampa Bay ranks 20th in the league in rushing yards.
Still, with not much room for optimism for the Buccaneers, losing Martin for the season could prove to be lethal as a nightmarish season for Tampa Bay continues without one of its best potential threats.
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