Schiano: Martin's injury not season-ending
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano said Monday that running back Doug Martin is not out for the season, but would not offer details on his shoulder injury.
Multiple media outlets reported earlier that Martin has a torn labrum and could miss the rest of the season.
Martin left Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter after landing hard following a reception. He got up slowly and was favoring his left side.
"I'm not going to get into specifics of exactly what his issue is," Schiano said. "If it was season-ending, I'd let you know. But we don't feel that it is right now. We're just going to play it by ear."
Martin rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie in 2012. However, he is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry this season. He had 11 carries for 47 yards and made one catch for seven yards in the 31-23 loss to Atlanta. His backup, Mike James, carried the ball 14 times for 45 yards and had three catches for eight yards.
"I've liked what I've seen of Mike the last few weeks, both in practice and the game," Schiano said. "He's gotten a few more touches each game and obviously this one by necessity."
Tampa Bay (0-6) plays host to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. It is highly unlikely that Martin will be healthy enough to play. He was scheduled to have an MRI Monday.
