FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons will be without running back Tevin Coleman and starting guard Andy Levitre on Monday night when they take on the Buccaneers, Falcons coach Dan Quinn announced on Saturday.
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Coleman has been in the league's concussion protocol since suffering the injury in Atlanta's last game against the New Orleans Saints.
Levitre was unable to play in the Week 14 contest with a triceps injury and has yet to be able to practice. Ben Garland will start in place of Levitre on Monday night as he previously did on Dec. 7 against the Saints.
The Falcons (8-5) play the Bucs (4-9) at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The Buccaneers will be without three key defensive players on Monday night as defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (biceps), linebacker Lavonte David (hamstring) and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring) have all been ruled out.
With McCoy out, the Falcons are prepared to see Robert Ayers in his place. Ayers, a former first-round pick in 2009, has recorded two sacks and one forced fumble this year.
Not having David on the field will be significant for Tampa Bay, as he is not only the Buccaneers' leading tackler with 84 stops on the year but also leads the NFL with five fumble recoveries.
Behind David on the Buccaneers' depth chart is linebacker Riley Bullough.
