The most significant inactive today is DE Michael Bennett for the Buccaneers. The third-year player has been a fixture at left end this year, playing at a high enough level to keep second-round pick Da'Quan Bowers on the bench. An injury changes that today, as Bowers will get a shot to start at left end with Bennett out.
Other inactives for the Bucs include CB Anthony Gaitor, which means second-year cornerback Myron Lewis will once again be active, T James Lee and WR Micheal Spurlock. Lewis had a very poor game last week, but is the sixth cornerback among actives and should not see the field much. Meanwhile, James Lee returns to the bench after playing one game. Demar Dotson will once again be the sixth offensive lineman, as he has been for basically the entire season. Dotson has looked pretty good in a very limited role, but the Bucs still gave Lee the nod last week for some reason.
As for the Titans, their most significant injury is to right tackle David Stewart, who has started all ten previous games but will miss today's. That could really hurt the Titans' pass protection and help Bowers make a splash in his first NFL start. Interestingly, DT Karl Klug is active for the Titans. Klug was listed as Questionable but can apparently play. He was Adrian Clayborn's teammate in college and provides a little disruption inside as his three sacks this year demonstrate.
Finally, I continue to question the presence of Micheal Spurlock on the roster. He hasn't been active for three games now , even though he's supposedly on the roster because he can be a returner, receiver and emergency quarterback. He hasn't done anything this year. At this point the Bucs are better off giving a random young guy a chance.
Full Inactives:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Anthony Gaitor, DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, LB Zac Diles, DE Michael Bennett, G Derek Hardman, T James Lee, WR Micheal Spurlock
Tennessee Titans: LB Barrett Ruud, QB Rusty Smith, RB Jamie Harper, C Kevin Matthews, DT Zach Clayton, T David Stewart, WR Donnie Avery