It has been a largely disappointing 2017 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, falling completely out of the playoff picture with four weeks still remaining. The lack of production from former Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin, who was dealing with a concussion, didn't help matters.
Luckily, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Martin has been cleared from the concussion protocol and is on track to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Bucs coach Dirk Koetter says Doug Martin and Robert Ayers have been cleared from the concussion protocol.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 7, 2017
Martin missed last week's game against the Green Bay Packers due to the injury, suffered during Week 12 action against the Atlanta Falcons. Backup Peyton Barber excelled in the starting role against the Packers, posting 102 rushing yards on 23 carries while catching four passes for 41 yards.
The 28-year-old has struggled to find consistent footing this season, posting just 376 rushing yards on 119 attempts for just 3.2 yards per carry, which is the second-lowest average in his career. Since compiling 1,402 rushing yards back in 2015, Martin has largely been a non-factor in the running game for the Buccaneers.
The Boise State product is in the second year of a five-year, $35.7 million deal, but his future in Tampa Bay beyond this season is murky given his lack of production and the other younger backs on the roster.
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