Martin had 24 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns while also securing all three of his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-31 victory over the Jaguars.

Martin put together consecutive 100-yard efforts for the first time since his outstanding rookie campaign in 2012, and his recent play has been progressively reminscent of some of his eye-opening performances that season. The fourth-year pro looked strong and decisive on several runs through the heart of the Jaguars' front seven, and also broke multiple tackles on his nifty 10-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Martin's recent contributions through the air have also included securing all eight of his targets over the last two games, making him an increasingly reliable and all-important checkdown option for Jameis Winston. Martin will face off against the Redskins normally-stout run defense in Week 7 following Tampa's bye.

Martin was on the field for 38 snaps in Week 4 against the Panthers, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was an increase of seven snaps over what he received in Week 3, but the percentage of total offensive plays that Martin was in on (48 percent) was actually almost identical to the previous game's figure. Although he and Charles Sims have divided the snaps virtually down the middle over the last two games, Martin continues to be the clear-cut lead back on the ground, receiving 20 carries to Sims' six against the Panthers in Week 4.

Martin gained 106 yards on 20 rushes and caught all five of his targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 37-23 loss to the Panthers.

Martin recorded his eighth career 100-yard performance, and only his second in the last two seasons. The fourth-year pro ripped off a season-high gain of 26 yards, and his five receptions were the most he'd secured in a game since Week 16 of his rookie campaign in 2012. Martin's touchdown, a hard-hitting five-yard scamper up the middle in the second quarter, was his first visit to the end zone this season. Despite the unfavorable end result Sunday, Martin's performance was certainly a bright spot, particularly against a Panthers defense that had come into Week 4 allowing only 3.3 yards per attempt in 2015.

Martin (knee) is listed as active Sunday versus the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Brushing off a nick to his knee suffered in Wednesday's practice, Martin will get the nod in the backfield, per usual, but may find the going tough against a Carolina defense that has conceded just 3.1 YPC and two total touchdowns to running backs this season.

Martin (knee) will play Sunday against the Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Martin is officially listed as questionable after suffering the injury during practice this week, but he was always adamant that he would play. The Panthers' defense has been hit by big injuries, namely to linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive end Charles Johnson, possibly giving Martin more lanes to run through than normal against Carolina.

Martin (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Not listed on the Wednesday injury report, Martin missed Thursday's practice, then returned to a limited session Friday. Despite the missed practice time and his 'questionable' designation, Martin is unconcerned by the injury, saying that it's nothing more than a minor nick. Although he should be fine to lead the Tampa Bay backfield Sunday, Martin's owners will still want to check back before the 1 PM ET kickoff. As for the matchup, Carolina's defense may have a well-earned reputation, but its not nearly as fearsome in the absence of LB Luke Kuechly (concussion) and DE Charles Johnson (hamstring).

Martin (knee) said his injury is only a nick, adding that he should be "perfect" for Sunday's game against the Panthers, the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings reports.

Martin doesn't seem at all worried, despite missing Thursday's practice. His official status for Sunday's game should be available shortly, and his statement hints at a 'probable' designation.

Martin (knee) practiced Friday, the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings reports.

Martin's level of participation has yet to be classified, but after having sat out Thursday's practice, the running back's return -- in any capacity -- would appear to bode well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Panthers.

Martin missed Thursday's practice due to a knee injury, but head coach Lovie Smith expects the running back to "be OK," Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After sustaining the injury Wednesday, his lack of participation Thursday appears to be a precaution, as Smith expects Martin to return in some capacity Friday, according to Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site. Expect Martin's status to be clarified as the week draws to a close, but Charles Sims could be in line for additional work if Martin is at all hampered Sunday against the Panthers.

Martin (undisclosed) didn't practice Thursday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The reason for Martin's absence wasn't immediately known, but the Buccaneers should reveal the culprit in short order. Through three games, Martin has only picked up 49 percent of the offensive snaps, versus 45 percent for Charles Sims.

Martin's 31 snaps against the Texans was only one more than backfield mate Charles Sims, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

While it may sound somewhat alarming to Martin's fantasy owners on the surface, the division of snaps appeared to be more of a function of game flow and the desire to use Sims as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield in certain formations. Martin still was the workhorse back on the ground, carrying the ball on 14 of the Bucs' 20 rushing plays against Houston. Martin appears to be firmly entrenched in the starting tailback role at this time, and will likely have a more abundant snap count in the majority of games.

Martin had 14 carries for 46 yards in Sunday's 19-9 loss to the Texans.

Martin found himself in a diminished role on Sunday, with the Bucs passing 36 times and only rushing 20. The highlight of Martin's 14 totes was a decisive 17-yard run up the middle early in the third quarter, but his day was nondescript otherwise. After having secured all three passes thrown his way over the first two weeks, Martin was also not targeted in the passing game Sunday. Martin will look to regain a more extensive role next week when the Bucs head home to take on the Panthers.

Martin rushed for 78 yards on 21 carries and also secured both of his targets in the passing game for 20 yards in Sunday's 26-19 victory over the Saints. He also fumbled twice, losing both.

Martin's second fumble was costly for the moment, eventually leading to a fourth quarter 16-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Willie Snead that cut the Bucs' lead to 23-19. Despite the turnovers, Martin ran hard and decisively on the afternoon and continues to rebound from the lackluster performances he has put forth over the last two seasons. He has a firm hold for the moment on the top running back role, but given that there is an established precedent of benching him for poor performance, Martin clearly will have to produce week in and week out and avoid turnovers to retain it.

Martin rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries and caught his lone target for two yards in Sunday's ugly 42-14 loss to Tennessee.

Martin actually looked good early in the game, posting most of his yardage when the score was close. The Titans pulled away in the first half though, leading by 28 points at halftime, so Martin wasn't used much over the final 30 minutes. The veteran Martin had a nice preseason, and appears to be more in shape this season, but Tampa Bay's poor offensive line and his hit-or-miss supporting cast (rookie QB Jameis Winston struggled Sunday), could be a major hindrance to his fantasy value.

Martin had nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.

Martin's 19-yard touchdown run was impressive, but it was also pretty much the only thing Tampa Bay's first-team offense did right. It remains to be seen what kind of roles Charles Sims and/or Bobby Rainey will have, but there's little question that Martin is primed to lead the Tampa Bay backfield. Entering a contract year, Martin looked like the rookie (2012) version of himself this preseason, showcasing an impressive combination of power, burst and balance.

Martin had six carries for 59 yards in Monday's preseason game against the Bengals.

Martin had five carries for 57 yards on the game's opening drive, with his 30-yard scamper setting up a short rushing touchdown for Jameis Winston. Despite also getting some work with the first-team offense, Charles Sims gained six yards on just three carries and 15 yards on two receptions. Healthy and clearly motivated, Martin appears primed to lead the Tampa Bay backfield, but Sims also figures to have a role, particularly on passing downs.

Martin had five carries for 19 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Vikings.

Martin saw most of his carries on the Bucs' first drive, actually exceeding his eventual rushing total for the game in three plays. From that point, however, Tampa Bay was unable to move the ball on the ground. The veteran tailback was hoping to make a splash to impress coaches who will soon be forced to determine how to split carries between Martin and Charles Sims. The rookie did not fare any better Saturday, as he had just two carries for 11 yards.

Martin says he feels better than he has at any point since his rookie season, ESPN.com reports.

Martin rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie in 2012. Hampered by a series of injuries the last two seasons, he has fallen significantly short of expectations in each of the last two years. Coach Lovie Smith said his veteran back has shown enough in camp to enter the preseason as the favorite to start for the Bucs. "We would just like for him to continue what he's been doing," Smith said. "We've all taken notice. It seems like he has a little more bounce to his step, running with confidence. And he needs to. It's an important year for Doug and for our football team to establish the run game and Doug's our starting tailback. We talk about the commitment to the run. He's done it before. There's no reason he can't do it again."

Coach Lovie Smith indicated that at this stage he is counting on Martin to head the Bucs' backfield in 2015, the Tampa Bay Times reports. "Definitely a key for us," Smith said in reference to the fourth-year back. "We talked about being able to establish the run. Doug will be the lead guy doing that, so it's very important that we open up some holes and let him do his thing."

Martin, who burst on to the scene with a 1,454-yard rushing effort as a rookie in 2012, is coming off a 2014 season in which he carried 134 times for 494 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. With the Bucs having declined his fifth-year contract option this past May, the 26-year-old has much to prove in 2015, as the team tries to re-establish a strong ground game in order to help help take some of the heat off of rookie QB Jameis Winston. With that in mind, Martin -- who reportedly lowered his weight and body fat in advance of training camp -- appears on track to head a Tampa Bay backfield that also rosters Bobby Rainey, Mike James and 2014 third-rounder RB Charles Sims, who is a candidate carve out a pass-catching/complementary role.

Martin has rid himself of some body fat in the offseason, the Buccaneers' official site reports. "What you're not seeing that makes me look a little slimmer is my body fat," he said. "I got my body fat down by like four or five percent so I'm in great shape. I feel good and I'm ready to go."

Martin still rings in in the 200-225-pound range, but his offseason workout regimen has honed his body, as he prepares to battle Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey for the starting running back job in training camp. After a breakout rookie season in 2012 -- 1,454 rushing yards, 472 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns -- Martin has been hampered by injuries and ineffectiveness the past two years, making 17 appearances in all. Nonetheless, if his commitment to stay in tip-top shape continues, a bounce-back campaign could be in his future.