the clear-cut lead back

Bucs RB Doug Martin got the start in the teams 3rd preseason game and was the clear-cut lead back.  He was on the field for 6 of the 1st-team offense's 7 possessions.  He carried 13 times for 53 yards, adding 23 more yards on 3 catches.  RB LeGarrette Blount subbed in for 1 series with the starters, carrying just 3 times for 7 yards.  Even more importantly, it was Martin who got the rock at the 1-yard line.  He punched it in the end zone on his first try.  The rookie has emerged as the clear-cut lead back in Tampa's run-heavy offense.  He's looking at 18+ touches per game and should be a steady RB2 for fantasy teams.  We were expecting Martin to win this battle all along, so our projections for Tampa's backfield are unchanged.

The Raiders have released RB Doug Martin. If you needed confirmation that rookie Josh Jacobs will dominate early-down work in Oakland's backfield this season, here it is. The only question left is how much pass-catching work Jacobs will cede to RB Jalen Richard.

The Raiders have re-signed RB Doug Martin. The move is clearly a direct reaction to Isaiah Crowell's Achilles tear. Martin averaged a respectable 4.2 yards per carry on 172 totes for Oakland last year but ranked just 30th out of 47 RBs with 100+ carries in Pro Football Focus' Elusive Rating. Martin is veteran insurance in case rookie Josh Jacobs stumbles.

Raiders RB Doug Martin (knee) is active for today’s game against the Steelers. Newly signed RB C.J. Anderson is a healthy scratch. Martin should continue to serve as Oakland’s lead back but is just a RB3 vs. Pittsburgh’s tough run defense.

The Raiders expect RB Doug Martin (knee) to play through his questionable tag in today's game against the Steelers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Martin's not an attractive play, but he has at least averaged 57.7 rushing yards and 74.5 total yards over the past 6 weeks since taking over the job.

Raiders RB Doug Martin (knee) is not listed on the final Week 14 injury report after a full week of practice. He’s a low-end RB3 option vs. a tough Steelers run defense.