On a day with an avalanche of injuries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin's shoulder injury got lost in the shuffle. It figures to get more attention now.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported early Monday morning that Martin could miss "several weeks or longer" with the injury. Now NFL Media's Albert Breer is reporting, per a source who spoke to Martin, that the running back has a torn labrum and will miss the remainder of the season. Buccaneers coach Greg Schianowas not ready to say Martin's season is over at his Monday press conference.
Martin and the Buccaneers' running game have been among the most disappointing aspects of the team's 0-6 start. Martin has looked like a difference-making back, but he's been hit too often in the backfield. He wasn't used much in the passing game, either.
Martin just has averaged 3.6 yards per carry this season, and the Buccaneers are 20th in the league in rushing yards. Mike James is Martin's primary backup. It looks almost certain that James will start Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers, and it sounds like James will be the starter for a lot longer than that.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recapped every Week 7 game.