Lions' Martin doesn't expect to miss time after postgame scare

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News

Allen Park Whether it was embarrassment or not wanting to draw the ire of head coach Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin didn’t have much to say about the issue that required an ambulance trip to a local Chicago hospital following Sunday’s loss to the Bears.

After being blindsided by a hard block from  Bears wide receiver Joshua Bellamy in the third quarter, Martin stayed in the game. He had one more punt, an uncharacteristically short effort at the end of the quarter and two onside kicks in the fourth and final frame.

“I was good to finish the game,” Martin said. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have finished the game.”

Martin tiptoed around questions about whether he was coughing up blood after the hit, only saying that he was cleared and planned to play on Sunday.

More:Lions legend Lem Barney accuses pizza chain of discrimination

More:Lions' Patricia: No plan to take over play-calling duties

More:Report: Lions' Marvin Jones avoids serious knee injury

 

“I think Patricia addressed it already,” Martin said. “It was precautionary. I’m all good. No story here. …It was something alarming, they just wanted to check out. Ended up being nothing.”

Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin

The issue was resolved quickly enough since Martin was able to fly back with the team after the game.

In his sixth season with the Lions, Martin is averaging 44.6 yards per punt. In part due to season-long issues with the team's coverage units, he's also averaging a career-worst 36.6-yards net. 

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers