The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took advantage of the bye week and have many key contributors back healthy for their Week 6 contest against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received more positive news as O.J. Howard and other significant contributors were cleared to suit up in the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Here is the list of Tampa Bay’s inactives:
QB Ryan Griffin
RB Shaun Wilson
DT Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
DE Noah Spence
OL Alex Cappa
OL Mike Liedtke
Signs pointed towards Howard playing, but to see him able to suit up just two weeks after spraining his MCL is a great sign. Having both Cameron Brate and Howard available makes life easier for quarterback Jameis Winston.
Last week, the Bucs were shorthanded at safety with Jordan Whitehead unable to play. Tampa Bay is already without Chris Conte for the time being so Justin Evans,’ and Whitehead’s presence becomes even more critical.
Carlton Davis was another player listed on the injury report all week, and he will not suit up. This is a significant loss for the Bucs. Davis is a starting cornerback, and it will force veteran corner Ryan Smith into the starting rotation.
Another note, Noah Spence is inactive again. The former second-round pick has plummetted to the bottom of the depth chart.
Atlanta’s inactives:
RB Brian Hill
OL Zac Kerin
OL Matt Gono
The most significant absence for Atlanta will be Devonta Freeman. He has only played in two games as multiple injuries have derailed the start to his 2018 campaign.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is another significant loss for Atlanta. He has been a staple along the Falcons defensive front. Jarrett has 16 combined tackles so far this season.