The NFC South is still anyone’s for the taking, and this week’s matchup between the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 7-7 Carolina Panthers in Charlotte has all the makings of a game with real playoff implications. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, this one isn’t just about bragging rights - it’s about control of a division that’s been tight from the start.
Tampa Bay comes into this one looking to rebound after a tough home loss to the Falcons on Thursday Night Football. That one stung - not just because it was a divisional game, but because the Bucs had a chance to build momentum and let it slip away. Now, they’ve got a shot at redemption, and they’ll be doing it with one key advantage: health.
For the first time all season, the Buccaneers are just about as close to full strength as you can ask for in Week 16. Mike Evans, the heartbeat of Tampa’s receiving corps, returned to action last week, and rookie Jalen McMillan was also back in the fold. That’s a big boost for Baker Mayfield and this offense, which has shown flashes of firepower but struggled to find consistency.
Still, not everyone will suit up. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard and tight end Devin Culp are both inactive on the offensive side. While neither has been a focal point of the offense, their absence trims the depth chart a bit - especially in multi-tight-end sets and third-down packages.
Defensively, the Bucs will be missing safety Rashad Wisdom and linebacker Anthony Walker. Walker's absence, in particular, could be felt against a Panthers team that’s leaned on the run game to stabilize their offense. Wisdom has also contributed in sub-packages and on special teams, so Tampa will need the next men up to step in and deliver.
As for Carolina, they’ll be without starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu - and that’s a significant loss. Ekwonu has been one of the more reliable pieces on a Panthers offensive line that’s had its share of ups and downs. Without him, protecting the quarterback becomes a taller task, especially against a Bucs front seven that can still get after it when it’s clicking.
With both teams sitting at .500 and the division title still up for grabs, this game is more than just another Sunday on the calendar - it’s a defining moment in the NFC South race. The Bucs are trying to shake off a frustrating loss and prove they can close out the season strong. The Panthers are looking to defend home turf and take a step closer to an unlikely postseason berth.
Here’s the full list of inactives for both teams heading into this pivotal matchup:
Buccaneers Inactives:
- WR Sterling Shepard
- TE Devin Culp
- S Rashad Wisdom
- LB Anthony Walker
Panthers Inactives:
- OT Ikem Ekwonu
Kickoff is just around the corner, and with the division lead on the line, expect both teams to come out swinging.