The Bucs kickoff their 2025 season in hostile territory, visiting the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. But as expected, Tampa Bay is not at FULL strength. Head coach Todd Bowles had already ruled out multiple would-be starters in left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. along with 2025 second-round draft pick Benjamin Morrison and super-sub Christian Izien.
In Wirfs' stead Charlie Heck will be starting at left tackle. He will have a tall task, facing off against two first-round draft picks – James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. The Bucs will have rookie Emeka Egbuka playing in place of Godwin.
But the Bucs have added three additional names to that contingent.
Inactives for #TBvsATL ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JMlrd9FEpe
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025
Bucs Sit Rookie
Rookie running back Josh Williams joins Wirfs, Godwin Jr. and Morrison on the inactive list. In many ways this isn't a surprise as Williams is Tampa Bay's fourth-string running back. But he had a strong showing in the preseason as a returner. He averaged 36.0 yards per kick return, including a long of 42. With Williams sitting the return duties will lie solely with receiver Kam Johnson and third-string back Sean Tucker.
Bucs RB Josh Williams – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Two Cornerbacks Inactive
Veteran Kindle Vildor joins Morrison as cornerbacks not active, and he makes three defensive backs in total not dressing. After a concerted effort to add to the secondary this offseason, the Bucs will start Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum at cornerback alongside Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. at safety, with rookie Jacob Parrish as the starting nickel back after a strong training camp and preseason.
Bucs CB Kindle Vildor – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Bucs Star Vita Vea IS Active
Starting nose tackle Vita Vea has been on the injury report all week with a foot injury and missed several practices. After practicing on Friday, Vea participated in warmups today and felt good enough to go and will be active for the game. He was a game-time decision and may be on a pitch count today. Adam Gotsis, a reserve defensive tackle, was elevated from the practice squad.
Falcons Include Big Name On Inactives
The Falcons were already going to be without two of their top three tackles in Kaleb McGary and Storm Norton who are both on injured reserve to start the season. They will also be without starting receiver Darnell Mooney as well as key defensive back Clark Phillips III.
Darnell Mooney is inactive for today's game
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 7, 2025
Josh Queipo joined the Pewter Report team in 2022, specializing in salary cap analysis and film study. In addition to his official role with the website and podcast, he has an unofficial role as the Pewter Report team’s beaming light of positivity and jokes. A staunch proponent of the forward pass, he is a father to two amazing children and loves sushi, brisket, steak and bacon, though the order changes depending on the day. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2008 with a degree in finance.
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