The Buccaneers’ Monday practice delivered a little bit of everything: Tristan Wirfs back on the field in a limited role, young defenders making cases for bigger jobs, and a few roster fights that still look far from settled.
Todd Bowles said the staff is easing Wirfs back in and will keep a close eye on how much the left tackle can take on through the week before deciding what comes next. On the injury front, Bowles called wide receivers Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka day-to-day, with Egbuka’s situation potentially sliding into week-to-week territory.
That leaves his Week 1 availability uncertain. Quarterback Jake Browning is trending in the right direction, and the team will keep evaluating him as the week goes on.
Bowles also said Baker Mayfield is among the starters expected to play in this weekend’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A few defenders kept turning heads. Bowles praised rookie outside linebacker Chris Braswell Jr. for handling his assignments well even though the ball didn’t come his way much against the Jets. He was just as complimentary of linebacker Caden Fordham, calling it “a heck of a ball game” and noting that Fordham’s competition for a depth-chart spot tends to hide how much he’s actually doing.
Ayden Garnes continues to look like one of the camp’s real breakout names. His pick-six against the Jets fit with the confidence and command Bowles said he’s seen from him since OTAs.
Bowles pointed to Garnes’ ability to bounce back quickly, his voice in the secondary and his growing feel for the little details that keep big plays from happening. The praise wasn’t limited to football, either.
Bowles also reacted with admiration after learning Garnes has donated bone marrow to people in need.
Safety depth remains an issue, and Bowles said the team has brought in three new players but still needs time to figure out how quickly they can help.
The battles at wide receiver are only getting tighter. Bowles said there is “a ton” of competition in that room and expects it to be decided in the final week.
Jack Pyburn’s path is tied to special teams value and doing everything well enough to stick. His two-sack preseason opener gave him a confidence boost, but he said his approach is rooted in daily work and sticking to the process.
He also credited Yaya Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Rueben Bain Jr., along with coach Larry Foote, for helping him along during camp.
Up front, Elijah Roberts has spent the offseason reworking his body, improving his leverage and sharpening his run defense. With A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches helping guide him, Roberts said he feels stronger, more confident and better prepared heading into his second season.
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