The Atlanta FalconsThe defense will be without one – if not two – defensive starters in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, speaking to reporters after Friday’s practice at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga., ruled out inside linebacker Troy Andersen for the week 8 contest.

Security Justin Simmonsmeanwhile is questionable, while backup nickel cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. is and center Ryan Neuzil are doubtful.

Andersen, who had 41 tackles in four games, is still working his way back from a knee injury he suffered in a Week 4 win over the New Orleans Saints. He has missed each of the last three games, but he did participate — on a limited basis — in practice this week.

Essentially, Andersen is headed in the right direction, but he will be inactive again on Sunday. Without Andersen, Nate Landman will see extensive action along with Kaden Elliss at inside linebacker.

As for Simmons, he continues to nurse a hamstring injury suffered in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Despite playing in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks, he was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, did not participate on Friday and is now doubtful to enter Sunday.

Should Simmons not play, fourth-year pro Richie Grant will take over next to Jessie Bates III — a role Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray believes Grant is prepared for.

“He’s confident in what he’s doing,” Gray said Thursday of Grant. “I think he talks a lot more like you want him to talk as far as a footballer. Now he knows I can go out and play at this level.” We expect Richie — when we put you out there, we don’t expect disappointment, I think he expects that from himself.

Neuzil is battling a knee injury that caused him to miss five snaps in Week 7, but he played the entire second half. Neuzil, starting in place of the injured Drew Dalman, would be replaced by third-string center Matt Hennessy.

The Falcons (4-3) and Buccaneers (4-3) will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday inside Raymond James Stadium.