Running back Doug Martin is taking reps with the starting offense and working as if he is preparing to play in the regular-season opener at Miami Sept. 10.
But the reality is that Martin will miss the first three games serving the remainder of his suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Bucs will go with the committee approach at running back until October, with Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims, Peyton Barber and rookie Jeremy McNichols. But since Martin's suspension, the team has always taken a 'wait and see,'' approach with him, and his return to the team is not guaranteed when he is eligible to come back to work Sept.