TAMPA -- Defensive tackle Vernon Butler is a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Butler, a first-round pick in 2016, has played in every game so far this season, recording 16 tackles. Butler was also a healthy scratch last year when Carolina won at Detroit.
With Butler inactive, the Panthers are rolling with three defensive tackles -- Kawann Short, Dontari Poe and Kyle Love -- against a Tampa Bay offense that averages 3.9 yards per rush attempt (28th in the NFL).
Elsewhere on the D-line, defensive end Efe Obada is back up after being inactive for the past two games. Rookie Marquis Haynes, who was active in Obada's place, is again among the inactives.
Wide receiver Devin Funchess, the only player on the injury report, is active after sitting out last week's game with a back injury. Funchess was listed as questionable but was considered probable per head coach Ron Rivera.
Lastly, with wide receiver Damiere Byrd (arm) on injured reserve, running back Kenjon Barner is slated to return kicks. This is the first time Barner has been active since re-joining the team ahead of Week 11.
PANTHERS INACTIVES
– G Brendan Mahon
– CB Lorenzo Doss
– G Amini Silatolu
– DE Marquis Haynes
– RB Travaris Cadet
– LB Andre Smith
– DT Vernon Butler
BUCS INACTIVES
– QB Ryan Griffin
– WR DeSean Jackson
– CB Brent Grimes
– CB Carlton Davis III
– CB MJ Stewart
– DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
– T Demar Dotson
