Bucs’ Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith will play vs. Chiefs

TAMPA — The left side of the Bucs offensive line may not be totally healthy, but they will be back together for the first time in four games today against the Chiefs.

Guard Ali Marpet, who missed three games with a concussion, and left tackle Donovan Smith, who did not practice all week while nursing a sprained ankle, are active and likely to start against the Super Bowl champions.

Marpet was cleared from concussion protocol Sunday morning and expected to return his left guard spot. The Bucs were less optimistic about the status of Smith, who was a game-time decision after injuring his ankle in a loss to the Rams on Monday night.

Smith, however, went through a short workout before the game with trainer Bobby Slater and assistant head coach Harold Goodwin and felt good enough to try and play.

Marpet had been the Bucs’ most consistent offensive lineman and was playing at a Pro Bowl level before sustaining a concussion against the Giants on Nov. 2.

Bucs center A.Q. Shipley is out after a career-ending neck injury, also incurred in the Rams game. Ryan Jensen will return to center after starting the past few games at left guard.