The Buccaneers got a little of everything at training camp: a welcome return, a couple of absences, and one injury scare that didn’t appear to be as bad as it first looked.
The biggest good news came with Tristan Wirfs. Tampa Bay beat writer Rick Stroud reported on X that the All-Pro offensive tackle was back on the practice field for the first time this training camp, a major lift for the offensive line.
There was still a wrinkle on offense, though. Emeka Egbuka exited early during a joint practice against the New York Jets after suffering a lower-body injury. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Egbuka limped off, spent a long stretch being checked out on the sideline medical table, then took off his cleats and watched the rest of practice with his teammates.
Stroud later said Egbuka was held out because of a toe injury, and linebacker Christian Rozeboom was also not practicing.
Tampa Bay did get another positive update when Stroud posted that backup quarterback Jake Browning was back on the field after sitting out Friday’s preseason game with a back strain.
The concern around Egbuka eased as more information came in. Garafolo later reported that the toe issue is minor and was caused when it was rolled over during team drills. Running back Bucky Irving added to that optimism in an interview on NFL Network, saying Egbuka is in good spirits, leaving the Buccaneers hopeful their explosive receiver will be ready for the 2026 regular season.
In Other News...
Ayden Garnes Is Giving Bucs Fans A Rookie Story To Love
Ayden Garnes has already given Buccaneers fans a preseason moment to remember, and it came from a player who arrived in Tampa Bay with plenty of reasons to be noticed. The undrafted rookie cornerback made a splash in the preseason opener with a 47-yard pick-six, the kind of play that can turn a camp battle into something much more interesting for a team sorting through the back end of its roster.
Garnes has been drawing attention for more than just his play on the field. Before his NFL career, he underwent a bone marrow donation procedure after being identified as a match during a collegiate drive at Duquesne University, a selfless act that potentially saved the life of a woman in her 20s. Now he is trying to turn that same blend of character and athleticism into a place on the Buccaneers roster, and he has given himself an early story worth following. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Defense Flashed As Tampa Bay Got A Crucial Camp Boost
The Buccaneers got a useful jolt at training camp practice as they continued preparing for their preseason matchup with Kansas City, and the defense made sure it was the group drawing attention. Jacob Parrish, David Walker and Yaya Diaby were among the standouts, with the unit stacking up pass breakups and sacks while showing the kind of activity Tampa Bay has been looking for as camp rolls on.
There was also a welcome sign on the injury front, with Tristan Wirfs, Benjamin Morrison and S JJ Roberts back on the practice field. The defensive highlights kept coming as the day went on, including takeaways that helped underline how sharp the group looked, even if there is still more to learn about how quickly that momentum can carry into game action. [Read more 🡒]