Logan Mankins active, Vincent Jackson out for Thursday Night Football

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have Logan Mankins in the starting lineup today, despite his missing two practices earlier this week. Whether that's a boon or not will depend entirely on how he handles Aaron Donald -- a wrecking ball by any definition, but also specifically the type of quick, explosive player Mankins can really struggle with.

Vincent Jackson, Akeem Spence and Bruce Carter will also be missing with injuries. Jackson's season may be over with an MCL injury, while the same might be true for Akeem Spence and his ankle injury. Carter was listed as doubtful and may be ready to return next week, but he'll be replaced by Danny Lansanah for now, with Orie Lemon coming. Donteea Dye will start for Jackson, while Spence will be replaced by Tony McDaniel.

Demar Dotson is once again inactive, with the Bucs riding with Gosder Cherilus at right tackle and preferring Kevin Pamphile as the more versatile backup tackle.

As for the Rams, their only injuries are to cornerback Eric Patterson and tackle Andrew Donnal, neither of whom have played a big role for the team this year. They'll be without defensive Robert Quinn, though, as the defensive end was placed on injured reserve.

Buccaneers inactives: WR Vincent Jackson, DT Akeem Spence, QB Ryan Griffin, LB Bruce Carter, T Demar Dotson, TE Brandon Myers, DE George Johnson

Rams inactives: QB Sean Mannion, CB Eric Patterson, T Andrew Donnal, G Brian Folkerts, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, T Isaiah Battle, DE Matt Longacre