Doug Martin will play for Buccaneers against Bears

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have Doug Martin on the field against the Chicago Bears today, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. He will start for the first time since week two, after the Bucs waived running back Russell Hansbrough last night.

Martin will be backed up by Mike James and Peyton Barber, with Jacquizz Rodgers still out and Antone Smith being placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Martin was the NFL’s second-leading rusher last season with 1,402 yards and six touchdowns on 288 carries, but got off to a slow start this year before his hamstring injuries. He had just 85 yards on 25 carries in his only two games, which is obviously disappointing.

We’ll see whether Martin still has it in him to lead a running game and be the core of an offense today, as the Bucs face the eminently beatable Bears. This would be a good opportunity for the Dougernaut to strut his stuff.