Buccaneers Week 6 Inactives: O.J. Howard cleared to play

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is hit by cornerback Brian Poole #34 of the Atlanta Falcons as he runs in for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Tight end O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is hit by cornerback Brian Poole #34 of the Atlanta Falcons as he runs in for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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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

CB Carlton Davis

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 Devonta Freeman

RB Brian Hill

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

OL Zac Kerin

OL Matt Gono

DE Derrick Shelby

DT Grady Jarrett

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.

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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.