Find the inactives for the Buccaneers Week 9 matchup with the Carolina Panthers here. Tampa Bay will be without some key rookies on Sunday.
The inactives for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 9 contest against the Carolina Panthers was released. The Bucs will be without two of their top rookies.
Both cornerback M.J. Stewart and running back Ronald Jones will miss Sunday’s game with injuries.
On the season, Jones has 76 yards per scrimmage on 25 total touches. Jones has earned limited playing time over the last month or so and has gained some trust among the coaching staff. He managed to score his first touchdown against the Cleveland Browns back in October.
It’s been a slow start for Jones, but he is taking strides. This injury is a troublesome setback for him, but versatile rookie Shaun Wilson will suit up in his place.
Stewart has also faced challenges as a rookie. Forced into the nickel corner role due to Vernon Hargreaves‘ injury, receivers have torched Stewart all season long.
Even with Stewart’s struggles, the Buccaneers have no other legitimate nickel options to turn to. Either Javien Elliot and De’Vante Harris would likely fill the nickel role on Sunday.
The crucial final piece inactive is veteran offensive lineman Evan Smith. Typically splitting reps with Caleb Benenoch at right guard, Smith has been the better option up to this point. His versatility makes him the team’s backup center as well.
With Smith out, the Bucs are thin along the interior of the offensive line. After an impressive preseason, Mike Liedtke will finally get rewarded and suit up on Sunday with Smith out.
Buccaneers inactives:
G Evan Smith
RB Ronald Jones
CB M.J. Stewart
QB Ryan Griffin
OL Alex Cappa
Panthers inactives:
WR Torrey Smith
CB Josh Hawkins
LB Andre Smith
The only real loss for the Panthers this week is the veteran wideout, Torrey Smith. Even though Smith is out, standout rookie D.J. Moore is more than capable of filling in for Smith. Expect another long day for the Tampa Bay secondary.