Titans inactives
QB Marcus Mariota
LB Brian Orakpo
CB Kenneth Durden
RB Jeremy McNichols
LB LaTroy Lewis
G Aaron Stinnie
T Tyler Marz

Blaine Gabbert gets the surprise start in this must-win game for the playoffs.

Veteran Alfred Morris earned a roster spot as insurance after second-year players Joe Williams and Jeremy McNichols failed to impress coach Kyle Shanahan and the organization. Morris will be paired with Matt Breida to share the duties in the backfield as McKinnon spends the season rehabbing to be at full strength for 2019.

As the story said, the two RBs are contrasts in styles and experience. It went on to say it could be a weekly adjustment, as Shanahan looks for the right matchups against a given opponent, beginning Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Right now, neither Morris nor Breida knows exactly what to expect.

The Athletic's Matt Barrows reports that "Jeremy McNichols has been the first 49ers running back on the field for every drill today".

This is particularly notable with the recent injuries to Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida. It is also notable that McNichols appears to be ahead of 2017 table-banger Joe Williams. The 49ers' recent signing of Alfred Morris leaves some cloudiness in this backfield going forward, but the former Boise State star is someone worth keeping on watch lists for the time being.

Tampa Bay has waived fifth-round rookie RB Jeremy McNichols.

Related Players: Doug Martin, Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims

This makes the depth chart clear while Doug Martin serves his 3-game suspension. Rodgers sits atop the depth chart, with Sims likely returning to his change-of-pace/passing down role he performed well in during the 2015 season, before a 2016 injury cost him most of the season. Rodgers should see the lion's share of touches until Martin returns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told ESPN's Dan Graziano that the Bucs are leaning toward a committee approach at running back during Doug Martin's suspension the first three games of the season.

Related players: Jacquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber, Charles Sims, Jeremy McNichols

We reported yesterday that Martin may not even get his job back once he returns. Rodgers stepped up very nicely last year when given the chance and the story said if the team names a starter, it will likely be him.

With Jacquizz Rodgers re-signed early in free agency and Charles Sims returning from injury, this group is deep enough that it can easily field a full rotation of backs even while Doug Martin is out due to his suspension. It may not be until Martin's return that the overwhelming numbers lead to difficult decisions.

Martin has two Pro Bowl years in his five seasons in the league but was beset by injuries and other troubles last year. After using the first part of the year to attend to his personal issues, he has returned to the field looking as fit and ready as he did at this time in 2015 before a monster campaign. If Martin does indeed display his 2015 form, there's little question he'll be the lead back in 2017.

Related players: Jeremy McNichols

While it doesn't make for a good fantasy situation, the Bucs have other candidates for first and second-down snaps. Rodgers was very impressive in relief of both Martin and Sims last year. In addition, rookie Jeremy McNichols looks to be cut from the same cloth as Martin and could either be a lead back or a very useful third-down asset thanks to his reliable hands and well-developed pass-protection skills, the story went on to say.