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Inactives: Demar Dotson starts, Austin Seferian-Jenkins returns, Gerald McCoy out

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finally have Austin Seferian-Jenkins back after nine weeks absence with a shoulder injury. He should be a powerful presence down the middle of the field for Jameis Winston, giving the Bucs more flexibility in their formations as well, given that he can both block and catch the ball well. Veteran Brandon Myers is a healthy scratch in Seferian-Jenkins' place.

Gerald McCoy and right tackle Gosder Cherilus are out with injury, though. The defensive tackle injured his hand and had to undergo a procedure on Monday from which he hasn't yet recovered, while Cherilus was limited in practice throughout the week. Cherilus' absence will see Demar Dotson return to the starting lineup for the first time this year, as he missed the first half of the season with a knee injury and the Bucs did not want to disturb the continuity along the offensive line when he did get healthy. But Cherilus has been inconsistent throughout the year, and Dotson's return should provide a boost to the team's pass blocking -- as should the return of rookie Ali Marpet at right guard.

In addition, defensive ends Jacquies Smith and George Johnson are also out with injury. Will Gholston and Howard Jones will get the start at defensive end instead, but the Bucs' pass rush should take a hefty hit with McCoy out as well.

For the Falcons, Devonte Freeman is active but Leonard Hankerson is out. Kicker Matt Bryant will also miss his second straight game. No notable inactives beyond that.

Buccaneers inactives: QB Ryan Griffin, T Gosder Cherilus, LB Bruce Carter, DE Jacquies Smith. TE Brandon Myers, DT Gerald McCoy, DE George Johnson

Falcons inactives: Phillip Adams, K Matt Bryant, S Charles Godfrey, DE Malliciah Goodwin, T Bryce Harris, TE Tony Moeaki, RB Terron Ward