Buccaneers vs. Panthers inactives: No Doug Martin, Gerald McCoy, Robert Ayers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just announced their inactives list for Monday Night Football, and everybody we expected to be out is indeed out. Most notably, that means running back Doug Martin will not play, and neither will backup Charles Sims, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald as well as defensive end Robert Ayers are all out, leaving William Gholston as the only healthy, starting defensive lineman for Tampa Bay.

On the plus side, rookie pass-rusher Noah Spence is healthy, which should be a boost for the team’s pass rush if not the run defense.

Jacquizz Rodgers should step in for Doug Martin, with undrafted rookies Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough acting as change of pace backs. Akeem Spence and William Gholston should play significant roles at defensive tackle, with rookies Davonte Lambert and Channing Ward playing all over the defensive line.

Amusingly, third-string quarterback Ryan Griffin is active for the first time in his career, because of all of the Bucs’ injuries.

As for the Carolina Panthers, starters quarterback Cam Newton, running back Jonathan Stewart and left tackle Michael Oher had already been ruled out. They will indeed not play, and neither will defensive tackle Vernon Butler or cornerback James Bradberry, as other injured contributors.

Buccaneers inactives: WR Cecil Shorts III, RB Doug Martin, G Caleb Benenoch, TE Luke Stocker, DE Robert Ayers Jr., DT Gerald McCoy, DT Clinton McDonald

Panthers inactives: QB Cam Newton, RB Jonathan Stewart, DT Vernon Butler, OT Michael Oher, CB James Bradberry, WR Damiere Byrd, LB Jeremy Cash.