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Doug Martin hurts hamstring in Bucs' blowout loss

The Buccaneers lost their star running back and subsequently were blown out 40-7 by the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.

Bucs running back Doug Martin did return to the field after suffering a hamstring injury in the second quarter of Sunday's loss. Backup back Charles Sims took most of Martin's snaps following the injury.

Defensive end Robert Ayers and tight end Luke Stocker were also were lost due to ankle injuries.

At the time of his departure, Martin had 23 yards on seven rushes, but the Buccaneers' offense hadn't yet found its rhythm against one of the most threatening defenses in the NFC, and it never did.

Martin signed a five-year deal with the Bucs in March after enjoying a return to his freshman form last year.

Martin didn't play a pivotal role in Tampa Bay's Week 1 win over the Falcons, earning 23 touches for 96 total yards and zero touchdowns. But against the Cards, Martin would have been used frequently had he stayed in the game. Without him, Winston forced desperate throws, tossing four picks on the day, and the run game never recovered.

If Martin's injury is serious, it's a massive blow to this dynamic Buccaneers' offense, which, after last week, was looking to have a transcendent 2016 season.

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