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Buccaneers hopeful Doug Martin will return next week

Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 06: Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

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The Buccaneers have had a plethora of injuries at the running back position this season, but they may finally be getting some good news.

Bucs coach Dirk Koetter says he’s optimistic that starter Doug Martin will be back on the field when the team returns next Sunday against the Bears.

We’re hopeful that after these three days off that maybe he has a shot at Chicago,” Koetter said, via Sporting News. “But hamstrings seem to linger a little bit. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Martin started the first two games of the season but suffered a hamstring injury in Week Two and hasn’t played since. The Buccaneers have also been without their leading rusher, Jacquizz Rodgers, who suffered a foot injury, and their second-leading rusher, Charles Sims, who’s out for the season with a knee injury. Antone Smith suffered a season-ending injury on Thursday.