The Saints secondary will get a boost from the return of safety Darren Sharper after a one-game absence on Sunday, but they’ll still be shorthanded for their clash with the Buccaneers.
Cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are inactive, as is the recently signed Chris McAlister. Randall Gay and Malcolm Jenkins will be the starters at cornerback, with Jenkins getting the nod for the first time in his NFL career.
Tackle Jermon Bushrod is active for the Saints, but will be replaced in the starting lineup on the left side by Zach Strief, according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The move is likely a result of consistent pressure coming from Drew Brees’s blindside against the Rams last week, including a sack by Chris Long. Bushrod had been doing a good job as a replacement for the injured Jamaal Brown.
You already know that running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are out for the Saints. Wide receiver Lance Moore will join them on the sidelines as his ankle injury will keep him out for a third straight week.
The Buccaneers won’t have cornerback Elbert Mack in the lineup on Sunday because of an ankle injury. That should mean a lot of playing time for Torrie Cox as Tampa’s third cornerback.
The rest of the inactives for the Bucs and Saints can be found at NFL.com.
