Each week during the regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' communications department publishes a "Game Release" to aid the media in coverage of their upcoming game. Within that release are a number of documents regarding the player roster, including a depth chart, which lists the pecking order at every position on offense, defense and special teams.
Each game week, we will be taking a closer look at that depth chart, pointing out any changes or relevant notes from the previous game. Let's start on offense. Rookies are marked with an asterisk. Players we will be discussing in depth are highlighted in bold text.
OFFENSE
WR: Mike Evans, Trey Palmer
WR: Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller
LT: Tristan Wirfs, Justin Skule
LG: Ben Bredeson, Royce Newman
C: Graham Barton *, Robert Hainsey
RG: Cody Mauch, Elijah Klein *
RT: Luke Goedeke
WR: Jalen McMillan *, Rakim Jarrett, Kameron Johnson *
TE: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin Culp *
QB: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
RB: Rachaad White, Bucky Irving *, Sean Tucker
(On the practice squad: WR Marquez Callaway, T Garret Greenfield, OL Luke Haggard, WR Dennis Houston, WR Tanner Knue, OL Lorenz Metz, T Raiqwon O'Neal, QB Michael Pratt, TE Tanner Taula, RB D.J. Williams)
Bucky Irving started for the second week in a row, this time in a one-back formation, and he was on the field for 48 of 67 snaps, or 72% of the total. He led the team with 89 yards on 19 carries and was also targeted five times in the passing game. Rachaad White logged a season-low 18 snaps and did not have a run or target, but Head Coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that this was the result of game situations and the plan was to keep White involved in the offense going forward.
The Buccaneers leaned on three-receiver sets against New Orleans with tight end Cade Otton still sidelined by a knee injury. Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan each played 88% of the offensive snaps and third receiver Sterling Shepard got 42 plays in. Evans and McMillan combined for 14 of the Bucs' 21 receptions and 163 of Baker Mayfield's 221 passing yards. Evans' biggest snap was his last one, when he caught a nine-yard pass on the last play of the game to get to 1,000 for the 11th year in a row, which tied the record set by Jerry Rice.
Payne Durham continued to fill in for Otton as the every-down tight end, playing 81% of the snaps, and he caught a touchdown pass for the second game in a row. Rookie Devin Culp made the most of his snaps once again, catching two passes for 36 yards within the 16 plays he was on the field.
View images of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' matchups throughout the years vs. the Washington Commanders
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Guard Ian Beckles #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers guards against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Craig Erickson #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Craig Erickson #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 9: Linebacker Richard Wood #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on October 9, 1977 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 0-10. (photo by Hugh Jones/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Guard Charles McRae #70 and center Tony Mayberry #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Washington Redskins on December 4, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen's Studio/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMEBR 4: Guard Ian Beckles #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen's Studio/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 4: Running back Vince Workman #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 4, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Unknown/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMEBR 4: Defensive Tackle Brad Culpepper #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on December 4, 1994 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 26-21. (photo by Allen Dean Steele/Tampa bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Tight End Cameron Brate #84 and Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Ke'Shawn Vaughn #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Tyler Johnson #18 and Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Antonio Brown #81 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 09, 2021 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at Fedex Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Dane Fletcher #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Mason Foster #59, Cornerback Isaiah Frey #32 and Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End William Gholston #92 and Cornerback Leonard Johnson #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterback Josh McCown #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End Jacquies Smith #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches his second touchdown of the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End Larry English #57 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive End William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Cornerback Ronde Barber #20 and Linebacker Geno Hayes #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gains yards after a catch during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 27-7. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a rush for a two point conversion during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Tight End Kellen Winslow #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Wide Receiver Sammie Stroughter #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Wide Receiver Arrelious Benn #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Linebacker Geno Hayes #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets a sack during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Michael C. Weimer/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DECEMBER 12, 2010, LANDOVER, MD : Cornerback E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle after a fumbled snap on an extra point attempt during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
FL: Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium Stadium on November 19, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Chris Simms #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by John Dunagan/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on November 13, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 36-25. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Safety Dwight Smith #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Wide receiver Rod Gardner #87 against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Linebacker Derrick Brooks #55 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts the ball and runs it in for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Aaron Stecker #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Thomas Jones #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Shaun King #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Wide receiver Jacquez Green #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempts to catch the ball against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Wide receiver Keenan McCardell #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Tight end Todd Yoder #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Steve White #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 12: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 12, 2003 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers won 35-13. (photo by J Meric/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Linebacker Antony Jordan #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robert Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL: DECEMBER 8: Defensive end/ tackle Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle tackle against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida on December 8, 1996. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Steve White #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers forces a fumble during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Linebacker Hardy Nickerson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a tackle against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Mike Jula/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA BAY, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kick Return Bobby Joe Edmonds #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24,1995. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (Photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Wide Receiver Karl Williams #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Washington Redskins at Houlihan's Stadium on December 8, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 24-10. (photo by Marty Marrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Marty Morrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the NFC Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Running back Bobby Joe Edmonds #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball to pick up yardage as Safety Barney Bussey #27 blocks against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Defensive end Chidi Ahanotu #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempts to sack quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on September 24, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 14-6. (photo by Bob and Sylvia Allen/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Cornerback Floyd Young #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Washington Redskins during the NFC Divisional Championship game at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2000 in Tampa, Florida.. The Buccaneers won 14-13. (Photo by Robbie Rogers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DEFENSE
DL: Calijah Kancey, C.J. Brewer
NT: Vita Vea, Greg Gaines
DL: Logan Hall, William Gholston
OLB: Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell *, Shaquil Barrett
ILB: J.J. Russell, K.J. Britt
ILB: Lavonte David
OLB: Anthony Nelson, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jose Ramirez
CB: Jamel Dean, Josh Hayes
CB: Zyon McCollum, Tyrek Funderburk *
S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Edwards, Tavierre Thomas
S: Tykee Smith *, Kaevon Merriweather, Ryan Neal
(On the practice squad: S Marcus Banks, CB Dallis Flowers, DL Mike Greene, LB Antonio Grier, LB Deion Jones, S Rashad Wisdom)
Second-year linebacker J.J. Russell made his third straight start next to Lavonte David, and the last two have come with former starter K.J. Britt active following his three-week injury absence. Russell played 35 defensive snaps (out of 66) to 16 for Britt; both finished the game with three tackles while Britt added two tackles for loss.
With Jordan Whitehead moving to the reserve/non-football injury list on Saturday due to injuries suffered in an auto accident, the Buccaneers started Kaevon Merriweather and Mike Edwards at safety. This was Merriweather's fifth start in a row but it was only the second time that he played every defensive snap. He contributed three tackles and a pass defensed. Edwards played 57 snaps, with Ryan Neal, just promoted from the practice squad, getting in on eight plays.
Defensive linemen Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey continued their late-season trend of playing a higher percentage of the defensive snaps. In this case, both were on the field for 83% of the plays, and Vea recorded one of the team's two sacks. The other went to Yaya Diaby, whose 74% snap share was the highest of any of the team's outside linebackers. In his first active game back with the Buccaneers, Shaquil Barrett got on the field for 12 plays.
SPECIALISTS
P: Jack Browning
PK: Chase McLaughlin
KO: Jack Browning
H: Jack Browning
LS: Evan Deckers
PR: Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan *, Kameron Johnson *
KR: Rakim Jarrett, Bucky Irving *, Kameron Johnson *
KR: Sean Tucker, Trey Palmer
Running back Sean Tucker was on the field for 10 special teams plays and he ended up with a season-high three kickoff returns, totaling 88 yards. Wide receiver Rakim Jarrett was also deep on all of the kickoff returns but did not field any kicks.
Tight end Ko Kieft played 11 snaps on offense but double that many on special teams and he had the Bucs' only kick return tackle of the afternoon. Safety Tavierre Thomas logged the most special teams snaps, with 23 out of a possible 28.
