Doug Martin Injury: Buccaneers running back could return this year

Doug Martin is out indefinitely with a torn labrum, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't plan to place him on injured reserve for now, according to Jeff Darlington of NFL Network (video). Darlington notes that if he could play through the pain Martin could be back after four or five weeks, but he definitely won't play on Thursday or any time soon.

Mike James is the likely replacement for Doug Martin, with Brian Leonard and Bobby Rainey possibly in line for a few carries as well. Greg Schiano has historically shied away from running back committees both in the NFL and in college, so James is probably going to get the bulk of the carries.

Greg Schiano noted in his Tuesday press conference that the Bucs would continue to evaluate the back, which is not a very informative statement. Obviously the Buccaneers believe he could return later this season, but he is at the very least for an extended amount of time, if he can return at all.

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