Reports of Doug Martin’s demise in Tampa have been greatly exaggerated.
In an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht had high praise for the former Pro Bowl running back’s progress this offseason.
“Doug has looked as good as I’ve seen him,” said Licht. “Here in the last few weeks, through OTAs, both mentally and physically, he’s been outstanding.”
Martin, 28, appeared to be on thin ice after a 2016 season where injuries limited him to just 421 rushing yards and three touchdowns over eight games. He was also suspended for four games after testing positive for Adderall towards the end of the year and had enter a treatment program. Martin will still have three of those games to serve in 2017.
Through it all however, the Bucs never seemed to lose faith in Martin, and his stellar work this offseason factored into their strategy during last week’s draft.
The Bucs will have a crowded backfield next season with Charles Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber, and newcomer Jeremy McNichols vying for touches with Martin. But the most important thing right now for the ex-All Pro back is that he appears to have returned to the team’s good graces.
