The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos have ruled out a combined six starters for Sunday’s game.
For the Bucs, running back Doug Martin, defensive end Robert Ayers and tight end Luke Stocker will miss Sunday’s game. That’s a hefty blow to the Bucs’ running game, with Stocker being the team’s main blocking tight end, and that will be especially problematic because the Broncos are most vulnerable against runs up the middle.
The Bucs also ruled out backup wide receiver Cecil Shorts, while center Joe Hawley is listed as questionable — he’s likely to play, though.
As for the Broncos, they’ll have to suit up without defensive end DeMarcus Ware, tackle Donald Stephenson or tight end Virgil Green.