The Bucs and Falcons are set for a massive NFC South matchup on Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. It’s a big occasion as it’s Tampa Bay’s annual Creamsicle Game, but the team will be without some key players as it looks to split the season series with Atlanta.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

After he dislocated his ankle late in Monday night’s loss to the Ravens, Chris Godwin was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. But that wasn’t the only big injury the Bucs picked up in that game, as wide receiver Mike Evans reaggravated his hamstring injury and rookie defensive back Tykee Smith suffered a concussion.

So, with Tampa Bay releasing its inactives for Sunday’s game, it’s a star-studded list. Evans and Smith are the headliners, but there’s another key defensive piece in reserve defensive tackle Greg Gaines who will not be suiting up for this matchup.

The other interesting name on the inactives list is rookie quarterback Michael Pratt. Tampa Bay elevated him from the practice squad on Saturday. The thought is that Pratt is drawing interest from other clubs around the league, who may want to sign him to their active roster. By elevating the rookie out of Tulane, the Bucs are able to avoid that for at least a week while rewarding him with a pay bump and showing some appreciation for him. This was Pratt’s first elevation of the year, and he can be elevated a maximum of three times.

Falcons Inactives For Sunday’s Game Against The Bucs

Falcons LB Troy Andersen and former Bucs PR Deven Thompkins – Photo by: USA Today

The Falcons are missing two key defensive starters for Sunday’s game in Tampa. Linebacker Troy Andersen, who missed the Week 5 matchup between these two teams in Atlanta, is once again inactive. Andersen is Atlanta’s third-leading tackler, plus he has a pick-six to his name this season.

Atlanta will also be without starting safety Justin Simmons, who has three passes defensed and an interception this season to go along with 28 tackles (15 solo). His absence likely means a bigger role for former UCF standout Richie Grant, who had a big red zone interception off of Baker Mayfield late in last year’s meeting at Raymond James Stadium.

Here is the full list of inactives for the Falcons ahead of Week 8: