Bucs sit Mayfield against Steelers

Bowles revises his game plan after practice and will keep Baker Mayfield on the sideline for the upcoming preseason clash.

Bucs Sit Baker Mayfield Against Steelers After Review

The Buccaneers finished a joint practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers and prepared to play a large portion of their starting unit on Saturday. Todd Bowles initially said all starters would play except Mike Evans and Lavonte David. After reviewing Thursday's practice tape, Bowles changed course and ruled Baker Mayfield out for the game.

With Mayfield unavailable, Kyle Trask, Teddy Bridgewater, and Connor Bazelak are positioned to take the snaps. Evans and David are not in the lineup, as expected, and Mayfield did not play in the team's first preseason game last week against the Titans. The decision keeps the backup QB competition alive while allowing the defense and the rest of the unit to gain game-speed reps against Pittsburgh.

Bowles appears to place health and evaluation above early-season momentum. The late reversal signals a cautious, hands-on approach to the quarterback room that prioritizes tape-based assessment over rapid chemistry in a single preseason outing. By letting Trask, Bridgewater, and Bazelak handle live reps, the Buccaneers test depth while protecting Mayfield's health and long-term readiness. The move could influence how the staff allocates practice time, leadership on the field, and the rhythm of the offense in the weeks ahead.

Highlights

Time will tell how this cautious approach shapes the Buccaneers' early-season strategy.