By Buccaneers vs. Chiefs: Five Players to Watch in Tampa Bay’s Second Preseason Game
TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ second preseason game Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs should tell us considerably more about this football team than the preseason opener.
For the first time this preseason, Baker Mayfield and many of Tampa Bay’s starters are expected to take the field, even if it is only for a brief appearance.
Head coach Todd Bowles indicated the starters could play roughly 12-15 snaps, depending on how the first series or two unfold.
Mayfield will be without receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan, with toe and knee injuries, respectively.
That makes the opening portion of the game worth watching, as this will be the first chance we see Baker Mayfield execute the new OC Zac Robinson offense.
With Egbuka and Mayfield out, there is another opportunity for receivers such as Tez Johnson, rookie Ted Hurst, Kameron Johnson, and David Sills.
However, the real intrigue begins after Mayfield leaves.
Roster spots are on the line; the competition for the backup quarterback job has suddenly become interesting, and several young defensive players have an opportunity to show they deserve meaningful roles when the regular season begins.
Here are the biggest things — and five Buccaneers — to watch Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.
1. Jake Browning — QB
Nobody may have more riding on this game than Jake Browning.
When the Buccaneers signed Browning, the expectation was that the veteran would settle in behind Mayfield as the Buccaneers’ No. 2 quarterback.
That assumption isn’t nearly as safe anymore.
Browning missed the preseason opener against the Jets because of a back injury, opening the door for rookie Jalon Daniels to make a strong first impression.
Now Browning gets his opportunity.
The Buccaneers don’t need him to throw for 300 yards in a preseason game.
They need to see command of the offense, accuracy, good decisions, and the ability to move the football.
Browning has embraced the competition rather than running from it. That’s exactly what you want from a veteran quarterback.
But eventually, the competition has to be decided on the field.
Saturday night is Browning’s first chance to make his case.
2. Jalon Daniels — QB
Jalon Daniels entered camp as an undrafted rookie trying to earn a place in the organization. Now there is a legitimate conversation about whether he can push Browning for the backup job.
Daniels helped lead the Buccaneers to two second-half touchdown drives in the 24-16 preseason victory over the Jets and scored on a one-yard run.
He also showed something Tampa Bay doesn’t have with either Mayfield or Browning to the same degree: legitimate explosiveness as a runner.
Bowles has made it clear that the backup quarterback situation is a competition.
That makes every Daniels possession important.
Can he consistently work through his progressions protect the football and make plays from the pocket instead of immediately relying on his legs?
We already know Daniels can make something happen when a play breaks down.
Saturday night, watch how he handles the routine plays. Those may ultimately determine whether he can become Mayfield’s backup.
3. Benjamin Morrison — CB
This could be our first real look at one of the most intriguing pieces in Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Benjamin Morrison returned to 11-on-11 work Thursday, a significant step after spending much of training camp working his way back from injury.
Bowles left open the possibility of Morrison playing against Kansas City.
If he does, don’t worry too much about how many snaps he gets. Watch how he moves.
Does Morrison look comfortable changing direction? Can he run with receivers downfield? Is he willing to be physical?
The Buccaneers don’t need Morrison to win a starting job Saturday night. They need him healthy enough to begin making a serious push for one.
With Zyon McCollum also returning to action at practice and looking sharp Thursday, Tampa Bay’s secondary could suddenly become much deeper than it appeared a couple of weeks ago.
4. Rueben Bain Jr. — OLB
If there is one thing Buccaneers fans should be excited to watch throughout the preseason, it is the development of Rueben Bain Jr.
The rookie first-round pick was brought to Tampa to help change a pass rush that simply hasn’t been consistent enough.
This is another chance to see how quickly he’s transitioning to the NFL.
Bain has continued putting in extra work after practices, including Thursday.
That matters, but eventually production on game night matters more.
Watch his get-off against Kansas City’s tackles.
Watch whether he can win with more than power.
Most importantly, watch how often he gets around the quarterback even if the play doesn’t end in a sack.
But if Bain can become a disruptive part of a rotation that includes Yaya Diaby, Al-Quadin Muhammad and David Walker, this Tampa Bay pass rush could look dramatically different in 2026.
5. Bauer Sharp — TE
Here’s one player who may be forcing his way onto the roster.
With Cade Otton sidelined, rookie tight end Bauer Sharp has received additional opportunities, including work with the first-team offense.
And Mayfield has noticed.
“Bauer’s twitched-up, man,” Mayfield said this week. “He’s not just a receiving tight end. He’s so quick and tough in his routes.”
Mayfield also praised Sharp’s understanding of zone coverage and his willingness to embrace the blocking responsibilities Tampa Bay asks of its tight ends.
Then came the most important part.
“Bauer’s come a long way, and I think he’s got a really, really good shot to make the team.”
That’s significant praise from the starting quarterback.
Sharp has an opportunity against Kansas City to make that roster decision even easier.
What Else to Watch: The Starting Offense
There will be plenty to evaluate after the starters leave, but don’t overlook those first 12-15 snaps.
This will be our first game look at Mayfield operating Zac Robinson’s offense.
Don’t expect Tampa Bay to unveil its regular-season playbook against Kansas City. Instead, watch the basics.
How quickly does the offense get lined up? Is the operation clean? Does the running game create manageable down-and-distance situations? Does Mayfield look comfortable with the timing of the passing game?
If the Bucs take the opening possession 70 or 75 yards for a touchdown, don’t be surprised if Bowles decides he has seen enough.
Final Thoughts
The final score doesn’t matter much Saturday night.
The performances do.
The Buccaneers have reached the point in training camp where roster decisions are getting harder and opportunities are disappearing. For players such as Browning, Daniels, Morrison, Bain and Sharp, every snap matters.
This game offers our first glimpse of Mayfield and the core of the 2026 Buccaneers in actual game conditions.
But once Mayfield takes off the helmet for the final time Saturday night, the most important part of the Buccaneers’ preseason may just be getting started.
SEO Title: Buccaneers vs. Chiefs Preseason: 5 Tampa Bay Players to Watch
