Buccaneers Training Camp Kicks Off with Mixed Performances and Injury Concerns

The Buccaneers began camp on July 28 and completed the first three days with a focus on evaluating depth-chart candidates. Quarterback Jake Browning threw four touchdown passes on Day 2, connecting twice with wide receiver Tez Johnson, once with David Sills V, and delivering a two-minute-drill strike to Johnson at the goal line. The following day, Baker Mayfield showcased a revived deep-ball game, hitting Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan on long routes that resulted in touchdowns. McMillan, returning from a serious neck injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season, displayed “patented” route precision and celebrated each score with a signature dance.

Bucs Camp Studs And Duds: 7/30

Defensive standouts emerged early. Safeties Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. forced a fumble after Egbuka’s reception, with Winfield recovering and advancing the ball. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom recorded a sack on Mayfield, and Elijah Roberts secured the first-play sack during 11-on-11 drills. The Buccaneers’ secondary continued to generate turnovers, including an interception by John Bullock off Browning on Day 2.

Bucs Camp Studs And Duds: 7/30

Several key players have been limited by injuries. Wirfs appeared on the sideline with a right-leg sleeve on Day 3 but did not participate in drills. Defensive tackle Vita Vea has been absent following a reported back strain and simultaneously lodged a trade request while seeking an extension on his $17.75 million contract. Benjamin Morrison remained sidelined but joined the practice later in the day, and Chris Godwin was on a maintenance day, per Bowles.

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• “He tweaked something in the running test,” — Todd Bowles, per head coach

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• “It comes up every year. That usually takes care of itself,” — Todd Bowles, per head coach

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• “Well, there [are] players every year [that] you’re going to have them [with]. These happen to be two of our biggest players. We haven't had two of our biggest in a while, but we've had players every year. It just hasn't been of that magnitude. But, it's always about football,” — Todd Bowles, per head coach

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• “We have not even discussed it,” — Todd Bowles, per head coach

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• Four touchdown passes by Browning on Day 2.

Bucs Camp Studs And Duds: 7/30

• Three deep-ball touchdowns by Mayfield on Day 3.

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• Two forced fumbles by Smith & Winfield on Day 2.

Bucs Camp Studs And Duds: 7/30

• One interception by Bullock on Day 2.

Bucs Camp Studs And Duds: 7/30

• Two sacks recorded by Rozeboom and Roberts on Day 3.

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The Buccaneers will hold their first full-padded practice on the upcoming Sunday, after a brief rest day on Saturday. Coaching staff will continue to assess the health of Wirfs and Vea, while the trade request remains unresolved. Depth-chart decisions for the offensive line and linebacker groups will be shaped by the performances and availability observed during the first week of camp.

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