Devin Hester and Matthew Stafford were among the notable players who sustained injuries in Week 13.

Patriots RB Sammy Morris is out of the International Series game against the Buccaneers because of a knee injury, so Laurence Maroney is expected to start.

Pro Bowl return man Clifton Smith will accompany the Buccaneers on their trip to London to face the Patriots, but his playing status remains uncertain because of the effects of a punishing blow he absorbed to the throat and head last weekend, according to his agent, Jason Dillard.

The NFL suspended Panthers DB Dante Wesley for one game without pay because of a flagrant violation of player safety rules during Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.

While rookie QB Josh Freeman patiently learns the offense, veteran Byron Leftwich is earning the respect of his defensive teammates with the way he’s been throwing the deep ball.