What happened to the Bills punter? Sam Martin injury looms large in wild card clash vs. Steelers

David Suggs

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What happened to the Bills punter? Sam Martin injury looms large in wild card clash vs. Steelers image

The Bills enjoyed a fruitful first half, racing out to a 21-7 edge over the Steelers in their wild card clash.

Not everything came up roses, though. With 2:11 left in the second quarter, Tyler Bass lined up for a 49-yard field goal attempt. It found black-and-yellow gloves as it approached the line of scrimmage, offering a hint of life for a Pittsburgh side that looked decidedly ordinary in the game's opening moments.

Linebacker Nick Herbig raced down the field to retrieve the sputtering effort. Bills punter Sam Martin raced down the field behind him, hoping to deter his opposing sprinter.

LIVE: Steelers battle Bills in AFC wild-card contest

But just as the ball rolled into Herbig's grasp, Martin pulled up lame. It looked like he had tweaked his hamstring on the ensuing dash, unable to come to grips with his swap from special teams extraordinaire to relay runner.

Sam Martin injury update

Martin limped to the sidelines and was eventually deemed questionable to return by Bills medical personnel. 

Martin returned to the field during halftime, attempting to give things a go despite his faulty hammy.

He wasn't the only one, though. Bass also attempted some punts during the break. 

Martin returned to the turf again for the third quarter, though. And when the Bills called his number, he made sure to offer up his services.

Martin's latest punt traveled 45 yards, comparable with his other attempts during the first half. However, he appeared to limp off the field after the play, bringing into question his ability to punt moving forward.

Martin's status will be worth keeping an eye on. However, it seems he's doing what he can to get Buffalo into the divisional round by any means necessary.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.