Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin said Thursday he's "optimistic" he'll be able to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to Joe Kania of the Bucs' official site.

"It felt good to put the pads on and be out there with my brothers," Martin said, according to Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times.

Martin missed the last six games with a hamstring injury, but made a significant step by practicing in a limited capacity Wednesday.

He'll likely begin to ramp up his workload in Thursday's and Friday's practice sessions, and should be able to return Sunday if he responds well.