Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Doug Martin Returns from Suspension, Expected to Play on Thursday
Doug Martin is back and he can't wait to see some action.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that they have reinstated the two-time Pro Bowl running back to the active roster after he completed his four-game suspension for violating the National Football League's (NFL) performance-enhancing drugs policy last year, and he's expected to suit up for the team when they take on the New England Patriots this Thursday.
"I'm gonna go out there and just do the best that I can do, be as ready as I can be, just play for these guys. I'm not sure [how many snaps]. I'm just going to go out there and play to the best of my ability. Whatever that is, it's Coach [Dirk Koetter's] decision, it's what he decides to do," Martin said, via ESPN.
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"The first thing I did when I got back was to go see the trainers to make sure that I was physically OK, and I passed that with flying colors," Martin said.
He also noted that he has been working out in California while he was serving the final three games of his suspension at the start of the season.
The 2015 first-team All-Pro running back could have completed his suspension sooner, but the league had to postpone the Buccaneers' season opener against the Miami Dolphins due to Hurricane Irma.
In his absence, Jacquizz Rodgers has done a good job carrying the majority of the backfield workload this season, so there's no need to lean on Martin in his first game back. But he will eventually regain his role in the coming weeks.
His teammates are glad to have him back and their running game will get a huge boost with Martin back on the field.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers had to waive second-year tight end Alan Cross to make room for Martin on the roster.
