Falcons vs. Buccaneers inactives: No Doug Martin, Alterraun Verner, Michael Johnson or Anthony Collins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't have running back Doug Martin, cornerback Alterraun Verner or left tackle Anthony Collins today. Bobby Rainey, Crezond Butler and Oniel Cousins should replace those three starters, but only Butler is likely to represent a significant downgrade.

More surprisingly, Michael Johnson is also inactive, which means we'll see a lot of Jacquies Smith, a pass rusher who's made a bit of a splash in recent weeks. Da'Quan Bowers also returns from his suspension today and could see some extra playing time. We'll see whether that's an improvement, as Johnson hasn't actually been all that good this season. Another significant player to be inactive: Luke Stocker, who has been the Bucs' main blocking tight end and even acted as fullback last week.

Charles Sims will also make his debut today, as the rookie running back is active for the first time in his NFL career. He missed the first half of this season with a significant ankle injury, but should get a solid workload today. Likely mostly as a third-down back, though he should see some carries as well.

Meanwhile the Falcons are largely healthy, with tackle Jonathan Scott being the only injured player.

Buccaneers inactives: RB Doug Martin, CB Alterraun Verner, T Anthony Collins. DE Michael Johnson, WR Robert Herron, G Kadeem Edwards, TE Luke Stocker.

Falcons inactives: QB Sean Renfree, WR Freddie Martino, CB Javier Arenas, LB Tyler Starr, T Jonathan Scott, T Cameron Bradfield, DT Cliff Matthews.