Lavonte David will play for Buccaneers, Doug Martin out

Lavonte David will play against the Los Angeles Rams. He was the only core Tampa Bay Buccaneers whose participation was in doubt, and he hasn’t been deactivated. We don’t know whether the Bucs plan to limit his play because of a shoulder injury today, though.

The Buccaneers had already ruled out three starters in tight end Luke Stocker, running back Doug Martin and defensive end Robert Ayers. Making matters more complicated is the fact that tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was cut because of a DUI yesterday, leaving the Bucs with very few options at that position.

Martin will primarily be replaced by Charles Sims, who’s been very productive the past two years, albeit mostly as a receiving and change-of-pace back. Jacquizz Rodgers and undrafted rookie Peyton Barber can also expect to get some touches.

Undrafted rookie Davonte Lambert will start for Ayers, which is a somewhat surprising move. Less so once you realize that Noah Spence simply isn’t sturdy enough against the run to play early downs, especially against a run-heavy teams like the Rams.

As for the Rams, they’re mostly healthy. No one of real note will miss this game due to injury.

Buccaneers inactives: DE Robert Ayers, G Caleb Benenoch, QB Ryan Griffin, RB Doug Martin, WR Cecil Shorts, TE Luke Stocker, T Leonard Wester

Rams inactives: WR Pharoh Cooper, QB Sean Mannion, CB E.J. Gaines, OT Pace Murphy, TE Temarrick Hemingway, WR Nelson Spruce, DE Matt Longacre