This Saturday, when the Buccaneers take on the Chiefs in their second preseason game, the starters will play—and they should.
There are plenty of fans who believe keeping starters off the field throughout the preseason is the best way to ensure they are as healthy as possible when the regular season begins.
I understand the logic. But there are some flaws in that thinking.
Maybe it’s time to rewind to the 2020 season
When Tom Brady arrived in Tampa, many assumed the offense would simply become unstoppable overnight. But Brady repeatedly talked about the importance of building continuity with his teammates. It took time. By 2021, that continuity was evident, and the results followed.
The 2026 Bucs aren’t as talented as that championship team, but if we expect them to compete for a division title, they need to develop chemistry and consistency. And with a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson, that becomes even more important.
The unfortunate reality of football is that injuries are part of the game. It’s not a question of if injuries will happen, but when they will happen and which position group will be affected.
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We’ve already seen several players miss practice time because of injuries, but none of those injuries occurred during the first preseason game. If those players are healthy, there is no reason to keep them on the sidelines simply because we are afraid of what might happen.
If you’ve watched football long enough, you understand the risk. The moment a player steps onto the field, he is one play away from an injury. The players know it. The coaches know it. And as fans, we know it too.
We love the violence, speed and physicality that make football so entertaining. We can’t embrace everything that makes the sport great and then pretend the risks don’t exist.
Playing the starters for a series or two isn’t about putting the season in jeopardy. It’s about preparing for it.
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The Buccaneers don’t need to play their starters for an entire game. They don’t need to prove anything in August. But they do need to experience the communication, timing and physicality of playing together before the games start counting.
So let them play. Let Baker Mayfield work with his receivers, let the offensive line get reps together, let Zac Robinson see how his offense functions against another team’s starters.
Because the goal isn’t to be perfectly healthy on September 13th. The goal is to be ready.
And sometimes, getting ready means taking a few calculated risks today so you’re better prepared for tomorrow.
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
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