Buccaneers: Five Reasons Sitting Doug Martin is Not a Bad Idea

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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with he ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Doug OK?

We can debate our opinions all we like, but numbers don’t lie. Doug Martin, assuming he sits on Sunday, will have posted his least productive season as a pro. 2.9 yards per carry is nearly a full yard lower than his worst previous season. Martin did suffer injury problems once again, missing time due to his hamstring. He’s had trouble staying on the field which has contributed, but he has not been great since coming off of the injury either, averaging over three yards per carry only once since his return.

It begs the question. Is Doug Martin OK?

Would it be the first time that a player played through injury? Martin is a gamer, we all know that. If he CAN be on the field, he WILL be. But with all of the injuries Doug has suffered from through the years, the possibility of lingering problems is real. He hasn’t been the same player, and there has to be a reason why.

Unless a miracle happens and the Giants tie the Redskins on Sunday, among other things, the Bucs are out. Giving Doug a rest is a decent idea. They could do worse.

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