Report: Bucs' Martin expected to be inactive for season finale

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will again keep Doug Martin on the sidelines, as the running back is expected to be inactive for the team's season finale against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter said Monday that Martin was a healthy scratch in Week 16 based on matchups.

Tampa Bay reportedly plans to sign running back Russell Hansbrough from the New York Giants' practice squad this week.

It's a bizarre sequence of events, especially since Martin was given a five-year, $35.75-million contract last March, including $15-million guaranteed.

While the veteran runner has struggled since his return from injury, rushing for 336 yards on 119 carries, he has a history of Pro Bowl-level play.

Asked if Martin's benching could bring his future with the franchise into question, Koetter was noncommittal.

"I'm not sure if it should cause it (speculation about Martin's future) or not," Koetter said. "I don't really have any good answer for you. That decision was made and I'll stand by it. And at some point, it will be apparent what our decision will be this week and I'll stand by that the same way."