Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, who left just after halftime and didn't return Week 7 at Atlanta, told the Tampa Bay Times after the game that X-rays on shoulder were negative and did not reveal a separation. Martin's arm was in a sling, however.
"We're still evaluating what it is," Martin said, adding that he wasn't sure if he would play in Thursday night's game against Carolina. "Just have to hope for the best," he said.
Martin took a hard hit attempting to haul in a pass near the goal line in the third quarter. He was off to a good start before the injury, finding some running room with rookie quarterback Mike Glennon establishing a connection with star wide receiver Vincent Jackson. He had 47 yards on 11 carries and 7 on one catch.
Mike James took Martin's place in the lineup, finishing with 45 yards on 14 carries and 8 on three catches. He would likely get the majority of the workload if Martin is unable to play in what figures to be a tough matchup Week 8 against the Panthers.