Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David expected to play for Buccaneers vs. Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should have their top two defenders against the New Orleans Saints, despite both of them being listed as questionable. Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy are both "expected to play" according to Adam Schefter, confirming Lavonte David's own expectation and a Tampa Bay Times report from yesterday.

Bucs defensive standouts Gerald McCoy (hand) and Lavonte David (ankle), both questionable, both expected to play vs. Saints, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2015

McCoy missed last week's game with a broken hand after having a plate and screw placed in it that Monday, according to Rick Stroud. McCoy's return should help an inconsistent pass rush that will be missing defensive ends Jacquies Smith and George Johnson.

Meanwhile, Lavonte David hurt his ankle at some point this week, but it was apparently just a short-term tweak. With Kwon Alexander suspended for four weeks, the Bucs could have been in real trouble -- but they should be mostly fine now.