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Buccaneers Say Rookie Rueben Bain Jr. Ready for Week 1

8/27/2026

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Summary

Bain Ready Week 1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say rookie Rueben Bain Jr. will be ready for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13.
Bain suffered an AC joint sprain during Tuesday’s joint practice with Jacksonville, though doctors called it “nothing serious.”
Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters the sore shoulder will not affect Bain’s Week 1 availability.
Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper expects Bain to serve a key edge-rushing role this season.

Summary

Bain Starts

The Buccaneers signed free agents Alex Anzalone, A'Shawn Robinson, Christian Rozeboom, and Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Bain will start at weakside linebacker with Anzalone and Rozeboom.
Tampa Bay’s defensive front ranked last in quarterback pressure rate last season, prompting the revamp.
Bain recorded 20.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss in 38 college games.
Bain also had 121 tackles, four forced fumbles and one interception.

History

Historical Context

When the Buccaneers entered the NFL in 1976, expansion-draft picks like Lee Roy Selmon anchored a defense that went 0-14, posting the league’s worst point differential (-287) since the 1970 merger. Owner Hugh Culverhouse added veteran linebacker Dave Lewis, who recorded five interceptions. Today Tampa Bay repeats that overhaul, signing free agents Alex Anzalone, A’Shawn Robinson and others to improve a last-place pressure ranking.

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Bain Ready Week 1

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say rookie Rueben Bain Jr. will be ready for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13.
Bain suffered an AC joint sprain during Tuesday’s joint practice with Jacksonville, though doctors called it “nothing serious.”
Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters the sore shoulder will not affect Bain’s Week 1 availability.
Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper expects Bain to serve a key edge-rushing role this season.

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