The Sports Xchange

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with knee/quad injuries, although he did return to limited practice Friday.

“It’s good to see him out there,” Bucs coach Lovie Smith said. “Sometimes when a guy misses practice in a week, it’s about being ready for the weekend, especially with a running back like Doug. He knows the plays.

“Running backs carrying the ball as much as they do for us, missing a day every once in a while isn’t the end of the world, but he was good to go today.”

If Martin cannot play, Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey would share the backfield duty. Martin banged his knee in practice Wednesday, but said he expects to play against Carolina.

“It was just one of those things, you know, a full day would probably be the best for it,” Martin said Friday. “I practiced today, because I nicked it early in practice and practiced the rest of the day so it’s fine. I’ll be perfect for the game.”

With tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder) and Luke Stocker (hip) both doubtful, veteran Brandon Myers is poised to see a heavy workload against Carolina.

The Bucs also listed cornerback Johnthan Banks (knee) and center Evan Smith (ankle) as doubtful. Defensive end George Johnson (neck), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (shoulder), wide receiver Russell Shepherd (hamstring) offensive tackle Donovan Smith (knee) and safety Major Wright (abdomen) are all listed as questionable.