Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Inactives week 16

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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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.