The Bucs are once again without a host of key players in a must win game

The Tampa Bay Bucs travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers in a game that has major playoff implications for both sides. While the Bucs lead the NFC South right now, they do so in a three-way tie with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, the Packers currently sit at the seven seed at the top of a five-way tie for that last playoff spot. This game could decide which of these teams makes the playoffs and which one watches from home.

The Bucs, if they’re going to pull off the upset, will once again have to do so without key players on their defense. Cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive lineman William Gholston were already ruled out while Vita Vea and Ryan Neal were both listed as doubtful and game time decisions. Fortunately, Vea will play against the Packers – which will go a long way.

The Bucs do get back Jamel Dean this week, but that isn’t going to be enough to overcome some of the other injuries they’re dealing with, so the Bucs need big performances from rookie Calijah Kancey as well as Logan Hall and Greg Gaines – both if which played well against the Falcons last week.

The Bucs are also without Devin White, but according to Stacey Dales it isn’t injury related.

The Bucs signed defensive lineman Deadrin Senat to the active roster on Saturday due to the loss of Vea, while elevating defensive backs Richard LeCounte III and Derek Pitts Jr. from the practice squad due to the absence of Davis and Neal.

Chris Godwin was also a game time decision, dealing with knee and neck injuries. Good news for the Bucs is that he will play this week against the Packers.

Headlining the Packers’ inactives are wide receiver Christian Watson, running back A.J. Dillon, and cornerback Jaire Alexander. Running back Aaron Jones will play today.

Here are the full inactives for the Bucs and Packers ahead of their must win Week 15 matchup;

Tampa Bay Bucs:

DL – William Gholston

LB – Devin White

S – Ryan Neal

CB – Carlton Davis

T – Brandon Walton

CB – Josh Hayes

Green Bay Packers:

WR – Christian Watson

CB – Jaire Alexander

S – Darnell Savage

RB – A.J. Dillon

LB – Brenton Cox Jr

T – Caleb Jones

WR – Samori Toure

The Bucs and Packers kickoff inside Lambeau Field at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, and Matt Ryan will be on the call.

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Bucs check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!