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Buccaneers' quarterback Kyle Trask/via Getty Images

No Starters Expected: Buccaneers’ Plan for Week 3 Preseason Game Against Bills Revealed

August 23, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Buffalo Bills in their final preseason game today. And fans are wondering: will the starters see any action? Here’s what we know so far.

• Bills’ Starters: Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that quarterback Josh Allen won’t play in today’s game, marking the first time in his NFL career he’ll sit out the entire preseason. Other key players might also watch from the sidelines, with some exceptions like safety Cole Bishop, who is expected to see some playing time.
• Buccaneers’ Starters: Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles announced that no starters will play against the Bills today, focusing on evaluating players competing for depth spots on the 53-man roster.

With the regular starters sidelined for the Buccaneers’ final preseason game against the Bills, quarterback Kyle Trask is poised to take the reins and starts for the Bucs. This will most likely be followed by Teddy Bridgewater and Connor Bazelak. This game presents a prime opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and secure a roster spot. Although preseason finales often fly under the radar, today’s matchup offers bubble players a genuine chance to shine and make a lasting impression on coaches.

Buccaneers Quarterbacks vs Buffalo

• Kyle Trask: Expected to start at quarterback, looking to solidify his position and impress coaches.
• Teddy Bridgewater: Likely to see action after Trask, Bridgewater’s experience and performance will be crucial in determining his role on the team.
• Connor Bazelak: This young quarterback will look to make a strong impression and potentially earn a spot on the roster.

Game Details

Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM EDT

Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

TV Channel: WFLA (local and nearby markets), additional markets include Orlando (WESH), Pensacola (WKRG), Panama City (WMBB), and Gainesville (WOGX)

Team Analysis

The Buccaneers are riding high after an undefeated preseason start, defeating Tennessee 29-7 and edging Pittsburgh 17-14. They boast a strong offense, with notable performances from quarterbacks Kyle Trask and Teddy Bridgewater. Running backs Owen Wright and Sean Tucker have contributed substantially on the ground.

In contrast, the Bills have struggled in preseason, losing to the Giants 34-25 and getting shut out by the Bears 38-0. However, they have shown promise with their ability on motion plays and effective territory management.

Key Players to Watch

Tez Johnson (Buccaneers WR): Will look to make an impact in the absence of several key receivers.

Ryan Miller (Buccaneers WR): Continues to make a case for a spot on the 53-man roster with his well-rounded skill set.

Kaevon Merriweather (Buccaneers S): Could see significant playing time and make a difference in the game.

Betting Odds

The Bills are narrow favorites at -1.5 points, despite their 0-2 preseason record. The total points are set at 37.5, reflecting likely conservative play and roster evaluations typical of Week 3 preseason games.

This game will be a crucial opportunity for both teams to evaluate their roster depth and situational execution, with no starters expected to play for the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers will look to continue their preseason momentum, while the Bills seek to find some rhythm and build confidence.

This game is more about evaluating the team’s depth, especially with injuries impacting the secondary. The Buccaneers will focus on assessing their younger players and making informed decisions about their 53-man roster

The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on WFLA, with additional markets covered by WESH, WKRG, WMBB, and WOGX. You can also stream it live on Buccaneers.com or the Buccaneers Official App.