Since the final whistle of the final game in 2016, the big question mark going into the Buccaneers offseason was what would be the future of their recently suspended franchise running back Doug Martin.
After being suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Martin checked himself into rehab. Head coach Dirk Koetter and general manager Jason Licht have been asked about the status of Martin multiple times throughout the offseason, and have made sure to state that it was the health and wellness of Martin as a person that has been their top priority. Once he handled things out internally, then the discussions would begin on what to do with him as a Buccaneer.
As of today, Martin is back, at least for the time being, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Bucs RB Doug Martin, out of rehab and in a good place, is back in the team facility and participation in offseason conditioning.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2017
Getting Martin back in the facility is stage two of sorting out what the future will be for the former Top 5 rusher. Over the next few weeks, the team will surely monitor his conditioning, his focus, and where he could fit going forward after being burned by him just a year ago.