In a fairly surprising move, the Tampa Buccaneers have deemed running back Doug Martin inactive for Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Per the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Martin’s absence doesn’t have anything to do with an injury but rather a violation of team rules.
#Bucs RB Doug Martin is a healthy scratch because of a rule violation regarding one meeting, source said. It was described as minor, and he should be back on the field for the last two games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2017
With Martin ruled out, running back Peyton Barber is expected to dominate the touches in the Bucs’ backfield. Barber has gradually received an increase in usage over the past few weeks. Barber led the team in rushing yards in each of their last two games, including Week 14’s 24-21 home loss to the Detroit Lions in which the 23-year-old tailback rushed for 58 yards on 12 touches.
The Bucs are out of playoff contention with a 4-9 record, so they can stomach the absence of a quality offensive talent in Martin this late in the season. At this point, they're playing the role of spoiler.
Jacquizz Rodgers, meanwhile, could also see some touches against the Falcons after not getting any rushing attempts in the Lions game. Rodgers served as the team’s featured running back when Martin served a multiple-game suspension early this season.
Moreover, Martin’s absence likely puts more responsibility on the Bucs’ passing attack that ranks sixth in the league with 262.0 yards per contest.
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