Buccaneers vs. Rams: Friday Injury Report

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here is your final injury report for the game between the Buccaneers and the Rams on Sunday.

More from The Pewter Plank

It’s just about that time again, Buccaneers‘ fans. Sunday is just a couple of days away, and that means week three of the NFL season. Raymond James Stadium will be hoping as the Bucs open the 2016 home schedule against the new/old Los Angeles Rams.

These two teams have faced off 23 times in the past with the Rams winning 15 of them, including the four straight. The last Bucs’ victory in this series dates back to October of 2010 right here at Ray Jay, when a late Josh Freeman touchdown pass to Carnell “Cadillac” Williams  gave them an 18-17 victory.

In order for that to happen again, the Bucs are going to have to make it happen with a short-handed roster. The injury report is here, and it is not a pretty one. Take a look:

PlayerNo.Pos.InjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayGame Status
Robert Ayers91DEAnkleDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateOut
Doug Martin22RBHamstringDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateOut
Cecil Shorts III10WRHamstringDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateOut
Luke Stocker88TEAnkleDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateDid Not ParticipateOut
Lavonte David54LBShoulderFull ParticipationFull ParticipationFull ParticipationQuestionable
Donovan Smith76THipDid Not ParticipateLimited ParticipationFull ParticipationQuestionable
Ryan Smith29SHandFull ParticipationFull ParticipationFull ParticipationQuestionable

Well, at least Donovan Smith is back. Even though he is listed as “questionable”, the fact that he practiced in full is a good sign that he will be ready to go. The same can be said for Lavonte David, who did practice all week. The rest of that bunch, unfortunately, is out. None of them were really expected to be able to go, although I know some were hopeful that Ayers would be up.

Charles Sims and Noah Spence had better be at the top of their respective games on Sunday.

Now here is the report for the Rams:

PlayerNo.Pos.InjuryWednesdayThursday*FridayGame Status
Pharoh Cooper10WRShoulderLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationDoubtful
Nelson Spruce86WRKneeLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationDoubtful
Maurice Alexander31SThighLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationQuestionable
Benny Cunningham23RBKneeLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationQuestionable
E.J. Gaines33CBThighLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationQuestionable
Lamarcus Joyner20CBToeLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationLimited ParticipationQuestionable

Next: Five Reasons the Bucs Will Top the Rams

So, there’s that. Lots of injuries for the Bucs, and the Rams are ready to go.