Here is the full list of inactive players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers for their week sixteen matchup.
The 4-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to take on the 10-4 Carolina Panthers at Bank Of America Stadium today. Although we are already aware of some of the players that won’t be participating, here are the full list of inactive players for the game;
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Defensive End – Robert Ayers
Wide Receiver – DeSean Jackson
Quarterback – Ryan Griffin
Cornerback – Ryan Smith
Linebacker – Nigel Harris
Defensive End – Patrick O’Connor
Guard – Adam Gettis
Carolina Panthers
Guard – Trai Turner
Quarterback – Garrett Gilbert
Cornerback – Ladarius Gunter
Fullback – Alex Aarmah
Center – Greg Van Roton
Defensive End – Zach Moore
Wide Receiver – Russell Shepard
As reported earlier this week, the Buccaneers placed tight end O.J. Howard and safety Justin Evans on season ending injured reserve, effectively ending two very successful rookie seasons. The loss of DeSean Jackson is a bit of a disappointment. He was on track to play all sixteen games for only the third time in his career until he went down with an ankle injury Monday night.
As expected, Chris Godwin will step in for Jackson at receiver while Will Clarke will fill in for Robert Ayers. Look for plenty of targets for Adam Humphries as well as the Bucs will have to use him in the short passing game with the threat of Jackson’s speed being sidelined.
It’s somewhat disappointing to see Ryan Griffin inactive again. With only two games left, many Bucs fans were hoping to see him get some true game experience heading into 2018. Griffin was signed to a two year extension after injuring his shoulder in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Given the commitment, it would be great to see him face off against true NFL starters, not just in preseason.
Next: Players To Watch vs. Panthers
The Buccaneers and Panthers kick off at 1:00 p.m. EST on FOX.