The Buccaneers are hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night of Week 15, and the inactives are going to bring just as much drama as the play on the field.
As announced via the Buccaneers’ communications social media account:
Buccaneers Inactives vs. Atlanta Falcons (12/18):
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) December 19, 2017
#4 QB Ryan Griffin
#22 RB Doug Martin
#28 CB Vernon Hargreaves III
#54 LB Lavonte David
#67 OL Mike Liedtke
#85 WR Bobo Wilson
#93 DT Gerald McCoy
Vernon Hargreaves, Lavonte David, and Gerald McCoy have been known injury rule-outs for a little while now.
The surprising name on this list is running back Doug Martin. After being pulled last week against the Detroit Lions, it was thought by at least some, the team would continue to split work between he and second-year back Peyton Barber.
However, this is obviously not the case.
Also sitting out tonight’s prime time action is quarterback Ryan Griffin, offensive lineman Mike Liedtke and wide receiver Bobo Wilson.
No real surprises there, only disappointment for any Buccaneers fans hoping to see what the younger players might be able to bring to the field.
Two more tweets followed up the original one, with announcements of expected changes in the Bucs’ starting lineup.
Expected Changes In the Starting Lineup (Offense)
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) December 19, 2017
At C, #62 Evan Smith for #68 Joe Hawley.
At RB, #25 Peyton Barber for #22 Doug Martin.
Expected Changes In the Starting Lineup (Defense)
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) December 19, 2017
At DT, #98 Clinton McDonald for #93 Gerald McCoy.
At WLB, #53 Adarius Glanton for #54 Lavonte David.
At CB, #29 Ryan Smith for #28 Vernon Hargreaves III.
Evan Smith will start in place of Joe Hawley. A move bound to confuse at least some fans of Tampa Bay as Hawley was expected to replace Ali Marpet until an illness forced him to miss the game in Green Bay earlier this season. Perhaps the illness is having lingering effects, or the team just likes what they’ve seen from Smith so much, they want to keep rolling with him.
The Falcons also released their list of inactives:
Atlanta Falcons Inactives:
— Falcons Comm Dept. (@FalconsComm) December 19, 2017
15 – Nick Williams
26 – Tevin Coleman
30 – Deji Olatoye
35 – Leon McFadden
56 – Sean Weatherspoon
64 – Sean Harlow
67 – Andy Levitre
No surprise developments there, as running back Tevin Coleman was ruled out of this game previously in the week.
This will do it for inactives for the Buccaneers and Falcons as they take the field on Monday Night Football for Week 15!