Granted, Doug Martin didn't play at all in the fourth quarter because of an ankle injury, but even before his departure, fellow Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey was the more effective of the two. In terms of running the ball, their numbers were similar -- Martin had 10 carries for 27 yards and Rainey had eight for 25 -- but Rainey played a much bigger role in the passing game, catching six passes for 41 yards.
True, the Buccaneers prefer Rainey on passing downs, and he's remained a relevant contributor in that phase of the game since filling in for an injured Martin in Weeks 2 and 3. But as a runner, he's been at least on par with Martin and probably even better. For the season, he has averaged 4.6 yards per carry to Martin's 2.9.
Rookie Charles Sims' eventual return from an ankle injury could complicate the situation, but if I own Martin, I'm handcuffing Rainey to him. And if I'm desperate for running back help, I might add Rainey even if I didn't own Martin. Injury or not, changes are coming.