Todd Bowles Expects Christian Izien To Play Monday Night
September 13th, 2025
Likely to get playing time Monday.
Last week Christian Izien was out for the season-opening game at Atlanta. That is expected to change for Week 2, Monday night at Houston.
Asked today if there was a possibility that he could use both cornerback Jacob Parrish and Izien on the field at the same time, Bowles said, possibly.
Izien is technically listed as a safety but he has experience as a slot corner as well.
“Depending on the defense,” Bowles said of using Izien and Parrish at the same time. “Parrish is a nickel right now, but ‘Izzy’ will have some spots coming in as we go forward. We have to see what the game plans look like.”
With Izien back, it appears the Bucs have a lot of depth to play with. Joe suspects that means Bowles will come with some exotic blitzes or some unique coverages in an effort to slow C.J. Stroud down.
If the lone meeting between the Bucs and the Houston quarterback is any indication, the Bucs’ secondary will need all the help it can find.
In 2023, Stroud, then a rookie, threw for 470 yards in a 39-37 win over the Bucs. Through 33 NFL starts, Stroud’s 470-yard passing game against the Bucs is easily his career-high.