Martin sustained the season-ending injury in Tampa Bay's Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin said he expects to be medically cleared in time for the start of organized team activities next month, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Martin is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder that ended his 2013 season.
“I feel great. My arm is about to get cleared this week,” Martin told the newspaper. “I’m just getting my strength back. It’s been too long since I’ve been out of the game.”
New coach Lovie Smith said the Bucs plan to rely on Martin this season.
“We’re going to lean on one guy, but I like the rotation,” Smith said. ”I think you have to have a bell cow. (Martin) is ours. At the running back position, there are enough reps to go along. We want three guys we feel comfortable with. Two will play, but it’s not a rotation that where every series we’re going to have a different guy in there.”
The 25-year-old Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdown as a rookie, but gained just 456 yards and scored one touchdown in six games last season. He sustained the season-ending injury in Tampa Bay’s Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
