The Detroit Lions are currently on their bye week and it could not have come at a better time. During Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, multiple Lions, including receiver Golden Tate and tackle Rick Wagner were either injured or banged up and the hope is that the bye week allows for them to heal up a bit quicker.
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On Tuesday, the Lions announced that punter Sam Martin, who has missed the first six weeks of the season while on the PUP list, has returned to practice and could be available as early as Week 8.
#Lions P Sam Martin will return to practice. pic.twitter.com/i9L4IHdrst
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 17, 2017
In 2016, Martin was third in the NFL as he averaged 48.5 yards per punt, including a long of 63 yards.
While Martin has been out, Jeff Locke has performed admirably for the Lions, averaging 45.3 yards per punt, with 11 of those being downed inside the 20-yard line.