The Buccaneers had their nerves tested early in August when their starting quarterback felt soreness in his throwing hand. The timing could not have been worse. With practice sessions missed, Todd Bowles had to glance at his depth chart and consider alternatives. “Yeah,” Bowles said. “We’re looking at that.” Now, with their another 2025 preseason game against the Steelers fast approaching, the question lingers over the field. Who will take the first snap? The suspense hangs as the majority of the Buccaneers’ starters are set to see action on Saturday.
But will Baker Mayfield? HC got the clarity on this question when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers held a two-hour joint practice at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday, August 14. NFL beat reporter Rick Stroud posted on X, “After reviewing the tape of today’s practice, Todd Bowles just told me he believes Baker Mayfield played so well today in the joint workout with the Steelers he will NOT play in Saturday night’s game.”
After reviewing the tape of today’s practice, Todd Bowles just told me he believes Baker Mayfield played so well today in the joint workout with the Steelers he will NOT play in Saturday night’s game.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 15, 2025
Baker Mayfield led the Bucs offense with precision, firing passes to Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka. The unit delivered standout moments at both the start and close of practice. After each team went through early-practice routines of install sessions and positional drills, they moved to the first true competition period. It featured two-point attempts with Tampa Bay’s offense going head-to-head against Pittsburgh’s defense.
The Bucs’ first-team offense ran four plays and converted three of them. It was an efficient showing against a physical Steelers defense. The performance reinforced the decision to protect Mayfield from unnecessary contact. Bowles knew the smart play was to rest his quarterback now that he had proven himself.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine backed up Stroud’s report on X, writing, “Can confirm that Baker Mayfield will not be playing Saturday based off of his strong performance in practice today against the Steelers. @NFLSTROUD reported first. All other starters will play with the exception of Lavonte David and Mike Evans.” Bowles added that Teddy Bridgewater is expected to make his Buccaneers debut against Pittsburgh.
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