The Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to stretch their win streak to three games after losing to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, 34-20. It was bad enough of a loss, but it was made worse by injuries to some of their key players.
Buccaneers running back Doug Martin left the game after suffering a concussion. To make matters worse, safety T.J. Ward joined him, as he also sustained the same injury, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
Both did not return to the game, leaving Tampa Bay without two of its best playmakers on both sides of the ball. Before their exits, Doug Martin rushed seven times for 33 yards, while T.J. Ward had three solo tackles.
Losing Martin for any amount of time is going to significantly impact the Bucs, who are just 28th in the league in rushing yards with only 81.1 per game. In case he gets sidelined for a lengthy period of time, Tampa Bay will look for Jacquizz Rodgers to be their feature running back.
Article Continues BelowRodgers handled the starting duties early this season, mostly when Martin was still serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on use of illegal substance.
Peyton Barber could also see an uptick in snaps following his two-touchdown game against Atlanta.
In case Ward misses time, too, Keith Tandy could see an increased role on the defense.
The 4-7 Tampa Bay will have an entire week to rest up, however, as they return to the field next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.