HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On reports that QB Tom Brady is set to return to the team shortly)

"Like I said a week-and-a-half ago – I said he would be back this week, so that hasn't changed. We expect him back this week."

(On which day he expects Brady to return)

"It will be this week, early."

(On if he has an update on G Aaron Stinnie)

"Yeah, he has an ACL/MCL [injury]."

(On if he feels comfortable with his depth at offensive line)

"We have some depth right now, but we are always looking to bring in somebody that can help the team. So, if there is something out there that is available to us that we can get, then we'll try to take a shot at it."

(On if he is comfortable moving forward with a rookie or a player with little NFL experience at the left guard position)

"It's not about experience, it's about experience playing. Luke [Goedeke] and Nick [Leverett] do a great job right now. They're getting a lot of reps, so they've earned that right to compete for that spot. Maybe if one more goes down … We don't mind playing rookies – we've been playing rookies since we've been here. It's just a matter of them getting in-game experience. We're comfortable with the guys we have right now, but if we can find an option that's out there that fits us, we will look at it."

(On the status of T Tristan Wirfs)

"Right now, it's day-to-day. It shouldn't be much of a concern, but we will monitor it going forward."

(On the preseason penalties on the offensive line from players like C Robert Hainsey)

"Well, he is getting his experience as he goes. The penalties have been down [in other areas], but we can't afford holding penalties. Sometimes the [running] back redirects and we're holding on a little too long. We've got to clean that up and get our hands inside. We don't want those things holding us back."

(On CB Don Gardner's interception vs. Tennessee)

"Two games in a row he has gotten his hands on the ball and stepped up and made a play. The moment is not too big for him. He understands what he is doing, and given the opportunities, he has made the best of them."

(On the amount of input assistant coaches have on roster cut discussions)

"They have a great deal to do with it. Me and Jason [Licht], as well as [John] Spytek and [Mike] Biehl – we sit in these meetings and listen to the assistant coaches. We talk about fit – how they fit, where they fit, how versatile they are, how much they play [special] teams and how we are going to use them. With the starters and key backups, you want the best 53. Then for the rest of the makeup of the team, you want the right 53. There is a lot that goes into that and there are ongoing conversations all the time. Some people had a chance to step up this week [and] some people may not have. We'll have those discussions this afternoon."

(On the battle to make the team at receiver, and balancing the receiver's skill level with their chemistry with QB Tom Brady)

"Well, it's competitive. If they're good and make the team, they will mesh with Brady. It's not about who he likes – it's about who is the best player and who is the best fit for the team. If they're the best fit for the team, they will be the best fit for the quarterback. We have a lot of competition there – every week has been a battle and it's going to come down to the last week. It's going to be hard either way, but a lot of guys can do a lot of things."

(On his level of concern with the injuries on the offensive line)

"Any time you lose depth at any position, it's a concern, but we've got guys that can play. Unfortunate things happen in preseason – obviously, you can't help the injuries. We can't afford to get anymore hurt down there. I still think we have enough right now, but we're going to be thin in the depth department."

(On if he is comfortable enough with the progression of C Robert Hainsey to avoid adding more depth at the center position)

"At the moment I am, but if there is a good depth person out there that can come in and help, we will definitely look at it, but we are very pleased with where Hainsey is at."

(On if he saw enough from RB Leonard Fournette in Week 2 of the preseason to avoid playing him in Week 3)

"We will look at the tape. I wanted him to play last night because I think running backs should get hit before the first game, and they should get bounced around a little bit because they don't get hit below the waist in practice. So, it was important for him to get some bangs and get knocked around. This game coming up – we will see in practice how we want to approach this thing. We haven't had our meetings yet so we will see, but I thought he got enough in the game."

(On the team's pass rush efforts vs. Tennessee)

"I thought we got back there. I thought [Malik] Willis was very elusive. I thought we missed him quite a few times, but I thought we made some progress there, particularly [Anthony] Nelson played very well. I thought [Joe Tryon-Shoyinka] got back there some when he was in there, but Nelson probably had the best overall game on defense. It can get better from a stunt and a game standpoint, but they did get back there."

(On if he is concerned with the punt return yardage allowed vs. Tennessee)

"I think those guys playing on defense and offense a lot are kind of drained. They're not used to it from a preseason standpoint. I think once the season starts and they get into their roles and they're pretty fresh out there, we will get a better effort from that standpoint. So, I'm not as concerned as I would be."

(On if he has an indication of whether QB Tom Brady will play in the third preseason game)

"Not yet. We will see how practice goes and we will make those decisions at the end of the week."

(On what he has seen from DL Deadrin Senat)

"He has been a pleasant surprise. That is a heavy position right there with Vita [Vea], 'Nacho' (Rakeem Nunez-Roches) and Senat. I think he showed himself well yesterday. I thought he showed himself well last week. Again, it comes down to a numbers game – we've got to see how he compares to other guys at the other positions, but I think he represented himself well and I was very pleased with how he played last night."

-BUCCANEERS-