The Buccaneers need a win in the worst way on Monday night. At 1-3, playoff hopes can fall by the wayside quickly. The stakes are pretty high in this NFC South primetime matchup against Carolina.
However, the matchup may have gotten just a bit easier.
Per Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com, Cam Newton will not play in the game, ruled out by Panthers’ coach Ron Rivera. Newton remains in concussion protocol, rendering him inactive, and leaving Derek Anderson the starter in his place.
Anderson has had an up and down career, peaking with a Pro Bowl season back in 2007, teamed up with Braylon Edwards while with the Cleveland Browns.