AP

Last year, the Buccaneers were exploring the possibility of trading 2012 first-round running back Doug Martin. Then he suffered an ankle injury, and that was that.

This year, as Martin works through the last year of his rookie contract, a trade is even less likely. Per a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Buccaneers won’t be trading Martin.

Sunday’s win over the Falcons moved the Buccaneers to 3-4 on the year, putting them on the fringes of wild-card contention.

After three straight 100-yard games, Martin was held to 71 yards on 23 carries against the Falcons. He has 612 through seven games, which projects to 1,398 for the season.

The Buccaneers opted not to exercise the fifth-year option on Martin’s contract in May, giving him extra incentive to have a strong season. So far, he has.