Baker Mayfield
Todd Bowles confirmed that starters will play on Saturday against the Chiefs, including quarterback Baker Mayfield. This will be Mayfield's first preseason action since 2024 after he did not participate in last year's precursory exhibition games. How smoothly the first offseason possession goes on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium will dictate how long Mayfield is on the field, but the starting signal-caller voiced that he is looking for "efficiency" and "no mental errors" against the Chiefs. Last season, Mayfield completed 343 of 543 attempts (63.2) for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Through Week Five of the 2025 slate, Mayfield was tied for third in touchdown passes (10), fourth in passing yards (1,283), fourth in touchdown-to-interception ratio (10.0) and ninth in passer rating (104.4). Overall, he rushed 29 times on third downs in 2025, with 21 going for first downs (72.4% success rate). Mayfield rushed for a career-high 382 rushing yards in 2025 and ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing yards among quarterbacks. Entering a contract year in 2026, Mayfield will take the field with an added chip on his shoulder. He plays with a competitive disposition and delivers off-platform darts with zip and accuracy. Mayfield will suit up, aiming to methodically march down the field with precision passes to all three layers of the gridiron.
Rueben Bain Jr.
Buccaneers' first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has already garnered esteemed praise for his instincts, cerebral approach to the game and his exceptional work ethic. From staying after practice daily in the sweltering Florida heat to run sprints and work pass rush moves against the bag, to achieving clear, quick wins with a vast array of moves in his arsenal against the first-team offense, Bain has monopolized headlines throughout training camp. Saturday will mark another opportunity for Bain to showcase his skills against an unfamiliar opponent. The first-year player rushes with intent and purpose, looking to annihilate the opposition. He possesses outstanding bend and ankle flexion for his size, along with the ability to win with both power and finesse. Bain plays with consistent leverage and hand strikes that stun blockers into submission. He will vie to enhance Todd Bowles' defensive front on Saturday, continuing his impressive track.
Alex Anzalone
Bucs' free agent acquisition Alex Anzalone has carved out his starting role in the middle of Todd Bowles' defense and has made an impact, not only from a coverage standpoint, but for his mentorship of the young players in the linebacker room. Anzalone has taken ownership of the Mo role, elevating the unit with his range, pass-coverage awareness versus running backs/tight ends and hip fluidity in space. He has been effective on A-gap blitzes and has made highlight plays all over the field. Anzalone can disrupt routes from zone with closing burst and has brought physicality to the defense with his fiery temperament.
Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey has been hampered by injury since his arrival in Tampa Bay. His 2025 campaign was derailed when he was placed on injured reserve on September 17 after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the club's Week Two win over the Houston Texans. Kancey missed most of the year and accumulated 97 total snaps, thrusting Elijah Roberts into action opposite Vita Vea. In 2026 with a clean bill of health, Kancey will help anchor the defensive line. He imposes his will at the line with twitchy feet and rare first-step quickness that jumped off the tape at Pittsburgh. Kancey comes from the same Miami-mold as Bain and has elite contact balance. With an effective forward-charge and rush portfolio, Kancey will strive to take advantage of reps in 2026.
Kenny Gainwell
The Buccaneers added to the running back room in 2026 with free agent pickup, Kenny Gainwell. Gainwell provides special teams prowess as a returner, as well as versatility as a running back with a high pass-catching ceiling. He has been proficient on option routes and has added another dimension to the screen game. Gainwell can run advanced routes and has superb change-of-direction, as well as smooth cuts. He has a sudden and wide first stride in his track that has bolstered Zac Robinson's usage of wide zone and he has the awareness of when to alter mid-rush. Gainwell can bounce off angle tackles and has sharp footwork. Mayfield has described being "overwhelmed" by Gainwell's talent and Saturday will provide fans with a viewing experience of No. 1.
