Bucs vs. Panthers: Gameday Inactives For Week 17

The Bucs will as soon as once more be with out two starters for Sunday’s Week 17 contest in opposition to the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium, as security Antoine Winfield Jr. and tight finish Cade Otton are among the many gameday inactives for Tampa Bay.

Winfield will miss his third straight recreation after struggling a knee sprain in a 28-13 win over the Raiders on Dec. 8. He hasn’t practiced since, and contemplating the opposite accidents Tampa Bay has on the security place, he has been sorely missed.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photograph by: USA Right now

As for Otton, he’ll miss his second consecutive recreation with a knee harm. He was missed within the Bucs’ passing recreation in final Sunday evening’s loss at Dallas, with No. 2 tight finish Payne Durham ending with a career-high 5 catches on seven targets for 29 yards. Durham should step up into his place as soon as once more on Sunday.

Whereas Otton is having a profession yr with 59 catches for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns, his absence not solely impacts Tampa Bay’s passing recreation but in addition its run recreation. That’s one thing that Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo outlined previous to final week’s recreation in opposition to the Cowboys.

Right here is the total checklist of inactives for Tampa Bay in Week 17:

Former Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Additionally among the many Bucs’ inactives is the not too long ago re-signed Shaq Barrett. The veteran exterior linebacker not too long ago got here out of retirement and was waived by the Dolphins, and as soon as he cleared waivers, Tampa Bay introduced him again into the fold.

However Barrett solely simply signed along with his previous group on Saturday, so it was all the time going to be a tricky ask to have him energetic in the future later. That leaves subsequent week’s common season finale (and a possible playoff run) for Barrett to assist bolster the Bucs’ move dashing depth.

Barrett’s 45.0 profession sacks with Tampa Bay is the fourth-most in franchise historical past, however he’s a full 10.0 away from passing Gerald McCoy for third-most all time.

Tampa Bay elevated two gamers from the follow squad this week, rewarding third quarterback Michael Pratt (who’s inactive) and giving a gameday roster spot to linebacker Deion Jones, who signed with the group final week.

Panthers Are Quick-Handed In opposition to The Bucs In Week 17

On the Panthers’ aspect of issues, they arrive into Sunday’s matchup with out some key gamers on each side of the ball. As they attempt to play spoiler this week in opposition to the Bucs and/or subsequent week in opposition to the Falcons, they’ll be doing so with out some key items.

The group positioned 1,000-yard rusher Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve this week, which means the offense will likely be with out its prime two operating backs for the remainder of the season with rookie Jonathon Brooks additionally on injured reserve.

Proper deal with Taylor Moton may even lacking from motion on Sunday for the Panthers, which is a giant loss for his or her offensive line.

The Carolina protection can also be lacking a few of its prime gamers, with second-leading tackler Josey Jewell and prime cornerback Jaycee Horn among the many inactives for Sunday’s recreation.

Right here’s the total checklist of inactives for Carolina in Week 17: