Buccaneers' Doug Martin Will Serve Suspension

By ESPN

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has violated the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs and will serve a four-game suspension, effective immediately, he said Wednesday.

"I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy," Martin said in a statement. "My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous discussions with people close to me -- including Coach (Dirk) Koetter -- I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need.

"On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life. My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help."

Martin, a Pro Bowl selection last season, was declared inactive prior to Saturday's game against the Saints, Koetter called it a "coach's decision."

The suspension will begin with this week's finale against the Carolina Panthers. Jacquizz Rodgers is expected to start Sunday, especially after the Bucs placed Charles Sims on injured reserve Wednesday.

"I sincerely apologize to the Glazer family, general manager Jason Licht and the entire Tampa Bay organization, my teammates and our tremendous fans," said Martin, who wasn't at practice Wednesday. "This was not the season I envisioned and I have let everyone down, including myself. However, adversity yields opportunity and I ask for your support in my battle to overcome these personal issues."

Teammates Jameis Winston and Mike Evans said earlier Wednesday that they were bewildered as to why Martin was inactive against the Saints.

"It was so late, I didn't even get a chance to sit there and look at his face," Winston said of the decision to not play Martin. "We had a job to do. I asked him, was he good? He said he was fine. I asked, 'Is everything OK?' He said he was fine.

"I can only do my part [for] Doug to be there, be his friend, be his teammate, be his quarterback, just checking on him. Everything that's beyond my reach, I can't control. I know we have a great franchise running back in Doug Martin. I'm not worried about his situation."

Chicago Bears

Rookie LB Leonard Floyd remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and questionable (at best) to play Sunday. Floyd, the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, has now suffered two concussions in the span of just five weeks. Floyd's repeated head trauma is a concern, even though he has posted seven sacks in 12 games. Floyd has ability, but durability is a key issue for him moving forward to next season. -- Jeff Dickerson

Indianapolis Colts

WR Donte Moncrief missed practice Wednesday with a shoulder injury, which he suffered in Saturday's game at Oakland. It's the same injury that caused Moncrief to miss five games earlier this season. T.Y. Hilton and Phillip Dorsett will be the top two receivers if Moncrief doesn't play. -- Mike Wells