“About 10 Days Ago, I Couldn’t Really Even Stand On My Toes”
November 15th, 2014
It’s been 20 days since Doug Martin was on the field, struggling for 27 yards on 10 carries against the Vikings.
Martin walked off with an ankle injury. His last 100-yard game was against New Orleans in September 2013.
This week, Martin returned to practice, but he won’t play Sunday. The ankle isn’t ready. Speaking on his Total Access radio show last night on WDAE-AM 620, Martin said he hopes to be ready a week from Sunday.
“A lot better. No doubt. About 10 days ago, I couldn’t really even stand on my toes, walk on my toes,” Martin said. “But today I’m doing all that. It’s getting better. Today I had to walk about 10 feet on my toes and walk back on my heels. [Trainers] are the professionals. They know what they’re doing.”
Martin went on to say he ran some routes this week and went through cone drills, and other stuff.
It’s been a daily 7 a.m. grind for Martin to get healthy, he said, a rehab routine at One Buc Palace that started the morning after he got hurt.
The Bucs rarely detail a player’s injury. So Martin’s words last night explain, in part, why he wasn’t traded. The guy couldn’t walk the day before the trade deadline.
Martin’s future is unclear. He’s set to earn about $1.5 million (non-guaranteed) next season, which isn’t exactly a load of cash. And that’s a reasonable price for a talented running back to compete for playing time.
It’ll be interesting to see what Martin does with whatever carries he gets as this season closes out.
A couple of things Joe’s brain keeps getting stuck on: last year, when there was so much moaning about the Bucs’ offensive line, Martin backups Bobby Rainey and Mike James managed to have huge games on the ground. Rainey also proved better than Martin this season. Martin just isn’t the player he once was.
November 15th, 2014 at 9:59 am
When you are a RB with a bum ankle and a bad OL, you should not be playing until 100%, especially on a 1 -8 team
November 15th, 2014 at 10:06 am
Martin is a guy everyone can root for…..a really decent person with loads of talent….I hope he has a couple of great games this year…..at least that would increase his trade value.
November 15th, 2014 at 10:19 am
The talk of releasing Doug Martin is foolish.
The guy who had such a terrific rookie year has been hurt . Even Bobbie Rainey THIS year is not burning it up behind a very bad offensive line and a usually ineffective passing game.
Teams need several good backs. Rainey is a different type of runner than Martin. They complement each other. James is also good, but he is not burning it up THIS year either. The 3rd round pick hasn’t ‘t been healthy and does not have enough playing time to be evaluated in the pros.
Where can you find a healthy running back with Martin’s ability for what in the NFL is a pittance of a salary?
Are you are telling me Martin “is not the runner he used to be” due to a permanent injury? Now that would be real news!
November 15th, 2014 at 10:47 am
Lol it’s funny to hear all the stupid morons on here saying Martin sucks. Like he forgot how to run after his rookie season lmao. Bunch of idiots.
Maybe just maybe the worst O-line in the league is the the problem?
Oh no not that. Lmao some people should not be breathing my air.
November 15th, 2014 at 10:49 am
Most of the idiots that comment on here should really stick to what they know best which is cleaning their rooms before momma gets home or riding around in a white van with black tinted windows asking kids if they want some candy.
Because most in here know absolutely nothing about football.
November 15th, 2014 at 10:54 am
Before Martin’s shoulder injury last year he was doing fine considering how crappy last years offensive line was too. He’s not in decline, he just hasn’t been healthy, and this years offensive line SUCKS worse than last years debacle. Different players same BS results, or even worse, statistically. This O-line has definitely impacted the future of several key Buc’s players chances of remaining with the team. Like always, as sickening to my stomach as it is, we will release key players whose performance was wrongfully based on the wrong merits, as they become irreplaceable assets to their new found teams.
“You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you absolutely have been found wanting” _ A Knight’s Tale
November 15th, 2014 at 11:35 am
@TheKevin, Your sh!t stinks worse than what you complain other people say..
November 15th, 2014 at 11:55 am
I haven’t given up on The Muscle Hamster yet. He’s a high character guy who deserves another shot, but this time, in a real NFL offense.
Hint…hint….we need a real NFL OC.
If Dougie fails then….then ok, let him go.
November 15th, 2014 at 12:42 pm
Yeah……getting rid of Martin is going to solve all of our problems!
November 15th, 2014 at 1:21 pm
C’mon Joe, you knew we were gonna struggle this year on the ground. YOU even predicted (correctly) after we blew up our offensive line that all of the guys we acquired were primarily known for their pass blocking. So, to say Martin is not the same player, I think, is unfair because the guy is coming off a season ending injury. Have to give him time to trust his injured body and o-line, that needs to gel as well.
November 15th, 2014 at 3:32 pm
1.5 ….not a load of cash, the working man just can’t relate to statements Like that.