With 15 days in between games, the New York Giants have moved closer to full strength.

Running back Saquon Barkley and left tackle Andrew Thomas did not appear on the inactive list for Monday night's game in Tampa Bay, paving the way for the return of two key players on offense. Barkley hasn't played since injuring his ankle early in the game in Dallas on Oct. 10 but practiced on a limited basis every day this week. Thomas, who was activated off injured reserve among a series of gameday roster moves, practiced all week after missing the last three and four of the last five games with foot and ankle injuries.

It is Barkley's second return of the year. The injury occurred when he was just hitting his stride following his rehab from a torn ACL. Barkley was asked this week about his expectations for himself coming out of the bye.

"I've got a 'C' on my chest for a reason – be a leader," Barkley said. "I still believe I'm capable of the things that I've shown on the field before, so when I'm able to make those plays, when those plays come to me, make those plays and don't force anything and take it one day at a time. That's really the only thing I can do. Those are my expectations. Take it one day at a time, be a leader that I am, and be the playmaker that I know I can be and know that I will be."

While the Giants are anxious to see the offense how they envisioned, the additions came with some subtractions. Safety Logan Ryan (reserve/COVID-19), wide receiver Sterling Shepard (quad), linebacker Lorenzo Carter (ankle/illness) and safety Nate Ebner (knee) were all ruled out against the Buccaneers.

Running back Devontae Booker (hip), fullback Cullen Gillaspia (calf) and tight end Kaden Smith (knee) were listed as questionable heading into the game.

GIANTS INACTIVES:

• WR Sterling Shepard (Quad)
• FB Cullen Gillaspia (Calf)
• DB Nate Ebner (Knee)
• LB Oshane Ximines
• LB Lorenzo Carter (Illness/Ankle)
• OL Wes Martin
• TE Kaden Smith (Knee)

BUCS INACTIVES:

• QB Kyle Trask
• S Andrew Adams
• LS Carson Tinker
• G Nick Leverett
• WR Antonio Brown (Ankle)
• NT Vita Vea (Knee)

New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How to Watch, Listen & Live Stream Monday Night Football