You know it is week five in the NFL when it seems like every starter is listed as questionable on the injury report. That’s the case in this week’s Monday Night Football showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) and the Carolina Panthers (1-3). Both team’s injury reports are headlined by top of the line contributors.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hobbling for Monday Night Football
Quarterback Cam Newton, the MVP of 2015, will miss the game because of a concussion. Newton has appeared in every game despite dealing with concussions all season. It’s been an issue since his first game against the Denver Broncos. Newton suffered another concussion last week against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers’ most significant injury is their defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who suffered a calf injury in last week’s 27-7 loss to the Broncos. Quarterback Jameis Winston has continued to throw interceptions this year, so McCoy remains the Buccaneers’ most talented player.
Tampa Bay’s defensive line is already thin. Their other defensive tackle Clinton McDonald has a hamstring injury and may not play. Defensive end Noah Spence has played the first four games, but he has a shoulder injury and it’s unclear if he will play. Defensive end Robert Ayers has missed the past two games with a foot injury. He could return, but he could be limited.
- Defensive back Brent Grimes is questionable with a hamstring injury and linebacker Lavonte David is also questionable.
- Running back Doug Martin will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Backup running back and passing back Charles Sims will also miss the game.
The Panthers’ major injuries are on the offensive side of the football. In addition to Newton, veteran running back Jonathan Stewart will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury, which he actually suffered in the Panthers’ second game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers. Stewart had just five rushing attempts in the game.
Wide receiver Ted Ginn has played every game, but he is questionable with a foot injury and wide receiver Devin Funchess has a toe injury, but he will likely play. Fullback Mike Tolbert is questionable with a hamstring and tackle Michael Oher missed last week’s game with a concussion and will also miss the game Monday.
Defensively for the Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson is questionable with a quadriceps injury and linebacker Thomas Davis will probably play with a hamstring injury.
Who’s Backups Do You Want?
Major offensive weapons are missing for the Panthers. The Buccaneers’ defensive line is injured across the board. Monday’s primetime contest becomes a game of depth instead of talent and star power.
Derek Anderson replaces Newton at quarterback and the Buccaneers would appear to have the advantage in the game.
However, instead of McCoy, Spence, Ayers and McDonald, the Buccaneers’ defensive line will consist of Akeem Spence, William Gholston, DaVonte Lambert, Jacquies Smith and Channing Ward. George Johnson and John Hughes could see their first games of the season.
A major weakness for the Panthers this year has been protecting the quarterback, but the Buccaneers may not be capable of generating a pass rush that would make Anderson uncomfortable.
With all of these injuries, Carolina should win easily. The Panthers will win this game 23-14, and finally get back on track.
