The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for their first preseason game of 2026. However, Baker Mayfield will not be part of the action Friday night against the New York Jets.
Mayfield is expected to watch from the sideline as Tampa Bay begins its preseason evaluation process. The decision comes as little surprise for the Buccaneers, who have no reason to expose their starting quarterback to unnecessary preseason risk.
The bigger question now involves who will take the majority of the quarterback snaps.
Jake Browning’s Injury Changes Tampa Bay’s Plans
Jake Browning was originally expected to start against the Jets. That plan could be in jeopardy after Browning suffered a back injury during Tuesday’s joint practice.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Browning was not seen at Wednesday’s practice. His availability for Friday remains uncertain, leaving Tampa Bay with another decision to make at quarterback.
If Browning cannot play, Connor Bazelak and Jalon Daniels could receive additional opportunities. That would give both young quarterbacks more chances to prove themselves under preseason game conditions.
Preseason Reps Matter for Tampa Bay’s Rookies
Friday’s game provides the Buccaneers with their first opportunity to evaluate many of their rookies in a true game setting. Those reps can be particularly important for players competing for roster spots or playing time.
The quarterbacks also play a role in that evaluation. Tampa Bay needs its young passers to provide enough consistency for the coaching staff to properly assess the players around them.
That makes Browning’s injury more significant than simply a backup quarterback missing a preseason game. His absence could force Tampa Bay to adjust its entire plan for the night.
Will Mayfield Play at All This Preseason?
Mayfield sitting Friday also raises an interesting question about his preseason workload. The Buccaneers could ultimately keep their veteran starter on the sideline throughout the preseason.
Mayfield did not play during Tampa Bay’s preseason schedule last year. He was initially expected to see action against the Pittsburgh Steelers before Todd Bowles decided against playing him.
A similar approach could be used again this year. For now, though, the Buccaneers appear comfortable keeping their starting quarterback out of Friday’s matchup.
If Browning cannot play, Tampa Bay will likely turn to Bazelak and Daniels for the majority of the quarterback work.
The Buccaneers will face the Jets at 7 p.m. Friday in their first preseason game of the year.
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