Tampa Bay's 2024 preseason opener in Cincinnati on Saturday night will mostly be a showcase for young players, at least on the Buccaneers' side. After their last official training camp practice on Thursday morning, Head Coach Todd Bowles revealed his plans to skip first column of the depth chart when making his lineup against the Bengals.
"Most of the starters will not play," said Bowles, who clarified that a few starters could see limited action depending upon how many players at their positions are injured. "Based off who's nicked up or not, you may see two or three of them in there for a series or two, but most of them won't play."
With a 91-man roster at their disposal, Bowles and his staff have plenty of depth to give their front-line players the night off rather than expose them to the possibility of injury. Thirty-eight of those 91 men are either rookies or first-year players, and another 16 are only in their second NFL seasons. The Buccaneers know they will be counting on some young players in key roles during the regular season so they want to see as much of them as possible in live reps.
"We put a lot on them," said Bowles of the Bucs' young players. "The next three weeks they're going to get plenty of time to show what they can do. Playing under the lights is important. Anybody can play in practice but you've got to show you can play under the lights."
View the best photos from Military Day presented by USAA at 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Color Guard during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44, Tight End Sal Canella #49, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tech Sergeant Lamar Thornton during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Players look on during the National Anthem at 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tech Sergeant Lamar Thornton during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Color Guard during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Color Guard gloves during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Color Guard during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Military branch flags during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Color Guard during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Fans look on during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Chris McDonald #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Senior Manager of Coaching Operations Sarah Evans and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cody Cruzen during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Director of Rehabilitation and Performance Coach Maral Javadifar of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterbacks Coach Thaddeus Lewis of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 and Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Cephus Johnson #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Raleigh Webb #17, Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33, Assistant Secondary Coach Rashad Johnson, Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Deandre Ward, Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote and Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Eric Banks #93, Defensive Lineman Earnest Brown #74, Quarterback Kyle Trask #2, Punter Jake Camarda #5, Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4, Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tackle Justin Skule #77, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78, Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 and Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62, Tackle Luke Haggard #72, Guard Cody Mauch #69, Guard Avery Jones #66, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Offensive Lineman Xavier Delgado #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and General Manager Jason Licht during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End David Wells #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Cody Thompson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht and Titus O'Neill during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 07, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kyle Trask will start at quarterback in place of Baker Mayfield, with John Wolford in reserve. Trask and Wolford will have to handle all the snaps because the only other passer in training camp is undrafted rookie Zack Annexstad, who is on the active/PUP list and has yet to practice. Though Trask is currently next behind Mayfield on the depth chart, as he was all last season, he and Wolford are still competing for that job in 2024 and the three preseason games could be a deciding factor. Bowles has been pleased with both quarterbacks so far.
"Well, you see how they play," said Bowles. "You see how they practice. Right now, Kyle's ahead by a little bit but we've still got to play some games."
Bowles said the plan to sit starters applied only to this weekend's game, with he and his coaches reevaluating who they want to see in the subsequent two games. Because the Bucs have joint practices scheduled during the next two weeks with the Jaguars and Dolphins, those decisions will be based in part on how much work specific players get in against those opponents during the week. Joint practices allow coaching staffs to script some game situations that won't necessarily come up in an unscripted game.
" [It's] how much work you get in practice," said Bowles. "We've got practices against two teams the next coming weeks and we see more in terms of volume stuff in practice than you do in those games. So how much they get in practice, how much volume they get, who gets nicked up, who doesn't get nicked up, where I think we need more continuity at – it all plays into it."
The Buccaneers play in Jacksonville on Saturday, August 17 and will share the practice field with the Jaguars on Wednesday and Thursday of that week. They meet the Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on Friday, August 23 and will hold one joint practice with Miami at the AdventHealth Training Center on the Wednesday before the game.
