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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers get their starting rusher back in the lineup this week. Doug Martin had been serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy after testing positive for Adderall late last season. Martin completed a rehab program in the offseason and did play during in the preseason with the team.
The Bucs have been able to keep things together in Martin’s absence, but running the ball has tailed off this season. Production in Tampa Bay’s run game is also down due to an increase in weapons in the passing game. Whoever the feature back is this week, they will have an easy go at it against the New England Patriots, one of the NFL’s worst defenses in the league.
Fantasy impact: Martin does not know what his role will be against New England and going forward for Tampa Bay, but in all likelihood, he will be the starter sooner than later. The Bucs coaching staff was very excited about Martin during the preseason and if he is in game shape, they will play him. Hard to tell if that will happen this week, but no need to waste a talent like Martin.