The season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took another turn for the worst on Sunday. Running back Doug Martin reportedly could miss the season with a torn labrum. With the Buccaneers sitting at 0-6, the team may have its eyes set on Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the 2014 NFL draft - depending on how rookie Mike Glennon finishes the season.
Martin suffered the shoulder injury during the Buccaneers' 31-23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The injury, a torn labrum, may cost the running back his season. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Martin is expected to miss "several weeks or longer" - possibly the entire season. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports also reported Martin has a torn labrum that may sideline the running back for the year.
Although Martin denied separating his shoulder, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times confirmed the injury but gave a more optimistic assessment.
"RB Doug Martin has a torn labrum in his left shoulder but the Bucs will not place him on IR right away," Stroud tweeted on Monday. "They're hopeful he can return."
Losing Martin is a tremendous blow to the Buccaneers. The second-year pro struggled running the ball this season, but he was expected to be an integral part of the offense after having a breakout rookie season.
Now the Buccaneers may be looking ahead to the 2014 NFL draft. Tampa Bay's biggest competitor for the No. 1 pick is Jacksonville. Should Tampa Bay get the first overall pick, the team would likely go after Bridgewater, who's expected to be the first player off the board in April.
Drafting Bridgewater depends on getting the first pick and whether Glennon impresses this season. Glennon, a third-round rookie, is likely auditioning to be the starter for next year. The Buccaneers appear ready to use this season to evaluate whether Glennon can be a franchise quarterback for the team to build around.
Through three games, Glennon has completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 722 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.