Doug Martin returns to practice, Johnthan Banks still absent

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw Doug Martin return to practice today, although  he was wearing a sleeve on his left leg, according to Pewter Report. Martin missed yesterday's practice with a knee injury, but it looks like it's not serious enough to keep him out of Sunday's game. The Bucs also saw Donovan Smith practice for the second straight day, so they should have their left tackle available against the Panthers.

Smith, Martin, Gerald McCoy, George Johnson, Russell Shepard and Major Wright are all listed as questionable officially, but they should all suit up on Sunday.

However, Evan Smith, Luke Stocker and Johnthan Banks continued to be absent from practice today, in addition to Austin Seferian-Jenkins' longer-term injury, according to Roy Cummings. All four players are listed as doubtful officially. Joe Hawley had to step in for Smith the past two weeks and held up reasonably well, but missing Stocker will hurt the Bucs' running game in particular. They only have two healthy tight ends on the roster in Cameron Brate and Brandon Myers.

As for Banks, he should be replaced by Mike Jenkins now that Alterraun Verner has found himself way down the depth chart. That may present a problem as the Bucs coaching staff loves Jenkins, despite him getting beat on the regular.