Doug Martin Expected to Return Sunday

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting running back Doug Martin is expected to make his return in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Martin was injured in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers and subsequently missed the Bucs’ losses to St. Louis and Atlanta.

“The knee’s coming along just fine,” Martin told ESPN. “Full go in practice, and I expect to play in this upcoming game.”

Martin has just nine rushing yards on nine carries this season and one catch for seven yards. Bobby Rainey started in his place while Martin was out of the line up.

In other injury news, Bucs quarterback Josh McCown is not expected to have surgery on his injured right thumb.

“We take this thing day by day and, obviously, if it was that pressing of a need, I would have probably already had that done,” McCown told ESPN. “We’re very optimistic with being able to get healthy and move forward.”

While McCown didn’t declare himself out of Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh, all indications are that he won’t play, with reports earlier in the week stating he won’t suit up. Additionally, the Bucs promoted Mike Kafka from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for Sunday’s game.

The Bucs only carry two active quarterbacks on game day. Mike Glennon will start Sunday if McCown doesn’t play.