Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith referred to running back Doug Martin as the team's "bell cow," reports ESPN.com. Smith also praised Martin's improvement as a pass catcher, a role that will be critical given the serious ankle injury suffered by rookie running back Charles Sims.
"From watching practice, you've seen Doug has caught the ball a lot better," Smith told.
Martin caught 49 passes as a rookie. He said he put in extra work this preseason catching passes to prepare for Jeff Tedford's offense.