The Broncos have three defensive linemen among their inactive players for today’s game against Tampa Bay.
Defensive ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, the team’s first- and second-round draft picks in 2007, and defensive tackle Josh Shaw will not play. Shaw has an injured groin, but Moss and Crowder are both healthy scratches.
The Broncos have only three active defensive ends (Elvin Dumervil, John Engelberger and Ebenezer Ekuban) as well as four tackles, and could use more of a 3-4 defense against the Bucs.
Fullback Peyton Hillis is inactive for the first time this season. He was excused from practice Friday because of a death in his family but was expected to return to Denver to play. Without Hillis, expect to see more snaps for Michael Pittman and possibly Spencer Larsen, a linebacker who was moved to fullback after the preseason.
The other inactive players are: OL Erik Pears; OL Dylan Gandy; WR Darrell Jackson and RB Ryan Torain.
Wide receiver Glenn Martinez, signed on Tuesday, is active.
The following players are inactive for Tampa: S Sabby Piscitelli, FB BJ Askew, OL Anthony Davis, OL James Lee, WR Joey Galloway, DT Greg Peterson and QBs Josh Johnson and Luke McCown.
