Logan Mankins inactive, Julius Thomas to play in Jaguars vs. Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to play the Jacksonville Jaguars without Logan Mankins, according to Greg Auman. Mankins missed the team's final two practices with a groin injury this week and hasn't recovered in time. Second-year fifth-round pick Kevin Pamphile will replace Mankins, while yesterday's addition Reid Fragel will be the backup swing tackle.

With the Bucs' pass protection problems and Donovan Smith's up-and-down (at best) rookie season at left tackle, missing Mankins could be a major problem. Mankins himself hasn't been dominant, but he certainly has been a unifying force in terms of assignments and recognition.

The Bucs will also miss starters Johnthan Banks, Evan Smith, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Luke Stocker, to be replaced by Mike Jenkins, Joe Hawley, Brandon Myers and no one, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Bucs will be the first team to face Julius Thomas this year, as the tight end will suit up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining up with Marcedes Lewis, Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson to comprise a pretty powerful passing attack. Of course, they've struggled to run the ball and Blake Bortles hasn't been terrific, so that may only take them so far.

The Jaguars will also be without linebacker Paul Posluszny, receiver Marqise Lee, and offensive weapon Denard Robinson.

Buccaneers inactives: CB Johnthan Banks, C Evan Smith, G Logan Mankins, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Luke Stocker, WR Russell Shepard

Jaguars inactives: WR Marqise Lee, WR/RB Denard Robinson, S James Sample, DT Sen'Derrick Marks, DE Chris Smith, LB Paul Posluszny, G Chris Shatley.