The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training camp in Tampa, Florida, showcased an exciting day of practice on Friday, marked by impressive performances and concerning injuries. Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the need for his defense to increase their interception rates as they gear up for the upcoming season. Late in the session, rookie outside linebacker David Walker was carted off the field with an apparent injury. This surprising turn of events unfortunately eclipsed some of the day’s remarkable successes.
Bowles notoriously challenged his defense to create turnovers, and in fact his whole unit to make splash plays. “We’ve got to continue them, we’ve got to feed off of them, they’ve got to see it and they’ve got to feel it and they’ve got to rally around each other,” he stated. The ambitious call to action roused excitement within the players. Bryce Hall and Zyon McCollum similarly rose to the occasion, turned heads and made game-changing plays in practice.
Defensive Highlights
The Buccaneers’ defense had a hell of a day, with future Hall-of-Famer Ndamukong Suh and others contributing game-changing moments. Bryce Hall, who returned from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula sustained in the 2024 season opener, intercepted a pass, demonstrating his resilience and skill. Bowles praised Hall’s journey back to form, commenting, “From what he had, to how he came back, to where he is now is unbelievable from what I saw from him.“
Zyon McCollum left his stamp by registering the first tip. This play resulted in an interception, highlighting this team’s elite defensive talent, one of the best in college football. All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. did what All-Pros do and seized the moment to send Chicago a message. “I have to make at least one splash play a day because when it comes to game time,” he remarked about his approach during practice.
One notable moment came when Shilo Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, batted down a pass. The home crowd erupted with excitement, chanting “Shilo!” as he started to break out as a defensive playmaker with his Tiger teammates.
Injury Concerns
Rookie David Walker went down at the end of practice during a run play, and for a while it looked like he may have done serious damage. Even after the crash, there was no immediate word on his future.
Chris Godwin’s status remains uncertain. He began training camp on the active/PUP list after getting a second ankle surgery this spring. Bowles said that there is no schedule for Godwin to return to practice just yet. I wish I could give you a better answer than that, but I’m optimistic. As he heals, we will continue to monitor his progress with great interest. This is the price so far, let’s see how close he gets when the time comes,” he said.
Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is likely out until opening day due to a knee injury. This departure is a huge blow that makes the New York City team’s big planning for 2025 all the more challenging.
Quarterback Performance
Baker Mayfield struggled mightily on Friday, including two throws meant for wide receiver Mike Evans that were intercepted. In the end, this performance only highlighted how much more refinement is needed as the squad prepares for the opening weekend of regular season competition. Bowles recognized the need to keep the momentum of practice, while focusing on places that needed improvement.
He is a ninja on the field,” Jalen McMillan remarked about Mayfield’s playing style, hinting at the quarterback’s potential despite today’s setbacks. Bowles continues to be hopeful about Mayfield’s talent. It’s all about practice, practice, practice — an invaluable time to improve decision-making as they get ready for a new competitive season.
Even with some issues in the execution aspect, Bowles praised the progress and the will that his players showed through Thursday’s practice. “He’s a tireless worker. He’s in great spirits all the time. He worked at it and he earned it. He did a heck of a job today,” he highlighted about one of the players.
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