The plan of the Buccaneers to use multiple backs to keep featured back Doug Martin strong and healthy after a shoulder injury ended his 2013 season has gone by the wayside.
The loss of rookie Charles Sims (ankle) and Mike James (shoulder) has destroyed the depth at that position. Only Bobby Rainey remains as a viable backup, but Lovie Smith has expressed confidence that Martin can carry the load.
"Doug is our bell cow," he told Pro Football Talk. "He likes that role, He's had a good camp, hasn't missed a beat."
Martin struggled last year to maintain his production from 2012. His per-carry average dropped from 4.6 to 3.6.