The Bucs received a mix of good news and bad news when the team’s inactive list came out prior to their Week 17 kickoff against the Panthers. Tampa Bay listed cornerback Carlton Davis III (shoulder) and outside linebacker Carl Nassib (pectoral) as doubtful for Sunday’s game, and were game-time decisions. But both wound up being listed as out on New Year’s Day.

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

However, all six Bucs that were listed as questionable for the game will play against the Panthers. That means that defensive tackle Vita Vea (calf) will start next to Akiem Hicks, which will help Tampa Bay’s run defense against Carolina. Vea has missed the last two games and almost all of the 49ers game due to injury.

Cornerback Jamel Dean (toe) will also return to action after missing the Cardinals game. Safety Mike Edwards played last week at Arizona and will play today despite a sore hamstring. It’s the same good news with fellow safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. who will play through a sore ankle.

Perhaps the best news is the return of left tackle Donovan Smith, who missed the Arizona game with a foot injury. He’ll start today, which is important because the Bucs lost top reserve tackle Josh Wells to a season-ending patellar tendon injury last week. Brandon Walton will be the reserve swing tackle.

Julio Jones also returns to action despite a knee injury.

Here is Sunday’s Bucs Inactive List:

QB Kyle Trask
WR Breshad Perriman
CB Carlton Davis III
TE Cameron Brate
OLB Carl Nassib