The Buccaneers used Wednesday’s 14th day of training camp to manage some bodies, and a few key absences opened the door for other players to stand out.
Chris Godwin and A’Shawn Robinson were both held out for rest, while cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison missed practice as they continue working through injuries. Christian Rozeboom, JJ Roberts, David Sills and Cade Otton also did not participate. Tristan Wirfs took part in initial individual drills but was not involved in team work.
With some regulars sidelined, Ted Hurst kept flashing. The rookie wideout followed up the strong showing he had two weeks ago before the team left for New York with another eye-catching practice.
Hurst hauled in three impressive catches during 11-on-11 periods, including a high throw from Baker Mayfield that he adjusted to and secured after taking a hit in midair from Antoine Winfield Jr. He also grabbed a deep ball down the seam that got the offense reacting.
Hurst has been stacking good days all camp, and if that keeps up, he could carve out a real role in 2026.
Yaya Diaby also made his presence felt. The outside linebacker finished with two sacks on the day, with the second coming in tandem with defensive tackle Jayson Jones. He also won a strong rep against Justin Skule in one-on-ones.
Rueben Bain Jr. is the name drawing the biggest attention this season, but Diaby has a chance to capitalize on the pressure and turn it into sacks in 2026.
In Other News...
Buccaneers May Finally See A Path Through The Vita Vea Standoff
Vita Veas holdout has been one of the more notable tensions hanging over Buccaneers training camp, with the veteran defensive tackle seeking either a new contract or a trade while Tampa Bay tried to sort through its options. For a while, the situation carried plenty of uncertainty, especially with Vea still under contract and backed by a strong recent performance history, even as outside interest in a possible trade continued to circulate.
Adam Schefter recently suggested the mood around the standoff may be changing, saying the sides now appear closer to a potential resolution than they did before. Tampa Bay has also started engaging in extension talks after previously not getting into that conversation with Veas camp, which at least opens a path forward for a player the Buccaneers have not been willing to move despite the trade noise. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Still Have A Real Playoff Path Despite One Clear Concern
Tampa Bay enters the new season with a familiar mix of optimism and uncertainty, having kept much of its core together after finishing last year 8-9 and second in the division behind Carolina on a tiebreaker. Even with expectations trimmed a bit, the Buccaneers still look like a team with enough continuity to make a push back into the playoff picture, especially if the offense can keep building around Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin.
Recent practice work has offered some encouraging signs, with Mayfield, Godwin and Kenneth Gainwell all standing out in those sessions. The bigger issue remains on the other side of the ball, where the defensive front seven still looks like the area most in need of a jump. If that group comes around, Tampa Bay could make its path to the postseason a lot cleaner than it appears right now. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Suddenly Have A QB Battle That Matters More Than Usual
Baker Mayfields contract situation has added a little more weight to a backup quarterback job that usually gets handled in the margins. Tampa Bay still views Mayfield as its franchise quarterback for now, but with his negotiations paused and free agency looming after the season, the Buccaneers have at least something to monitor behind him as camp and the preseason unfold.
Jake Browning and undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels are in the mix for the No. 2 spot, and Daniels gave the Bucs a reason to keep watching after an encouraging preseason debut. Todd Bowles has made clear the job will be settled by competition this summer, which gives Tampa Bay an unusual bit of intrigue at a position that could become a lot more important than the label suggests. [Read more 🡒]