Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin activated from suspended list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers activated running back Doug Martin from the NFL's reserve suspended list, the team announced Monday.

Tight end Alan Cross was waived to open the roster spot for Martin, who was suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy last season. Martin served the first contest of his four-game suspension in 2016 before sitting out Tampa Bay's first three games this season.

Martin is in line to play for the Buccaneers (2-1) on Thursday (8:25 p.m. ET, CBS) against the visiting New England Patriots (2-2).

Tampa Bay's Jacquizz Rodgers has recorded team highs in carries (40) and rushing yards (165) in Martin's absence. Rodgers had 83 rushing yards in a 25-23 win over the New York Giants on Sunday.

Martin signed a five-year, $35.75 million contract in the summer of 2016, with $15 million guaranteed, after finishing second in the NFL in rushing in 2015 with 1,402 yards.

The 28-year-old Martin struggled in 2016 with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss six weeks. He finished with just 421 yards in eight games, averaging 2.9 per carry after averaging 4.9 in 2015.

Martin has rushed for 4,227 yards and 23 touchdowns and has 121 catches for 1,007 yards and two scores in 57 career contests since being selected with the 31st overall pick by the Buccaneers in the 2012 draft.

Cross, 24, reeled in two receptions for 11 yards in three games this season and has eight catches for 49 yards in 17 career contests -- all with Tampa Bay.