So much for a training camp competition between Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey and Mike James. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith indicated on Monday that the team plans to start Martin when the regular season comes calling next month. 

"Definitely a key for us," Smith said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "We talked about being able to establish the run. Doug will be the lead guy doing that, so it's very important that we open up some holes and let him do his thing."

What this entails is anyone's guess. Martin could be the lead back with Sims coming in on third downs. Then again, the Buccaneers could attempt to run Martin a vast majority of the time. After all, he's the team's most proven running back at what has become a relatively deep position. 

Martin, 26, has seen his production drop significantly since posting over 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie. Due to a combination of injuries and pure ineffectiveness, the former first-round pick has tallied a total of 1,080 yards and three scores over the past two seasons. He's also averaging just 3.7 yards per rush during that span. 

A committee approach seemed to make some sense for the Buccaneers, especially after they added Sims in the third round of the draft back in 2014. However, much like Martin, Sims struggled with injuries. When he was able to return to the field, the West Virginia product put up just 185 yards on 66 attempts for an average of 2.8 yards per rush. 

And while Tampa Bay has indicated that Sims looks to be fully healthy, Martin appears to be the guy. Not lacking confidence, Martin had this to say about his potential for the 2015 season: 

"I already feel that way; I've always felt that way," the former Pro Bowler said. "I've had to deal with nagging injuries. That's not an excuse. I need to keep my body in shape and do the things out here that the coaches want me to do and play my role, and things will fall into place."

One of the key things to look at here is pass protection. With a rookie in Jameis Winston starting under center, Tampa Bay wants to put him in the best position to win. Considering Martin's success in this category, that's likely one of the reasons he's already been named the starter. It also indicates that Martin might very well be three-down back in this offense. After all, third downs are when teams want their best pass-protecting running backs in the game. This could also help Martin as it relates to his ability to match the 49 receptions he put up back in 2012.