Doug Martin injury: Buccaneers running back unlikely to play against Rams

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may deactivate Doug Martin against the St. Louis Rams today, after the running back suffered a knee injury against the Carolina Panthers last week.

The feeling I'm getting is that #Bucs RB Doug Martin is UNLIKELY to play today. Regardless, expect to see a lot of Bobby Rainey

— Tom Krasniqi (@TKras) September 14, 2014

Of course, this is just a 'feeling' Krasniqi has, but it's something to take seriously. Doug Martin was limited in practice throughout the week and listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. While Lovie Smith sounded optimistic on Friday, it would not be a surprise to see him not suit up.

If Martin can't go, Bobby Rainey and Mike James will carry the load for the Bucs. Rainey looked mediocre against the Carolina Panthers last week, while Mike James hasn't taken the field on offense since breaking his ankle last year. Even if Martin is active, he should see his workload reduced.

We should have final confirmation of whether or not Martin is ready to go by 2:35 p.m., when the Bucs have to turn in their inactives list.