TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has left the team and is taking time to deal with some "personal issues" after being benched Saturday, sources confirmed to ESPN's Josina Anderson on Wednesday.
Martin, a Pro Bowl selection last season, was declared inactive prior to Saturday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Dirk Koetter has called it a "coach's decision."
Martin was absent from practice Wednesday, although a team official said it was excused. His status for the regular-season finale Sunday against Carolina remains uncertain, although it's unlikely that he will play.