TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed out their preseason Saturday night with a 23-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Despite the result, the Bucs finished with a winning 2-1 preseason record.
The game? Played entirely by reserves on both sidelines. It was one final audition for dozens of players hoping to make the cut.
Now comes the hard part, the transition from preseason to regular season.
NFL teams have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to trim rosters from 91 players down to just 53. That means some hard choices are ahead for the Bucs’ coaching staff.
Who stays? Who goes? It’s not always about performance. Injuries are playing a big role this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin 2025 training camp
Just last week, head coach Todd Bowles said tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin are unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season. Still, the team must reserve two spots for them on the active roster.
That’s two positions taken, regardless of whether either player is game-ready for Week 1.
Another looming decision? Quarterbacks.
Last season, the Bucs carried starter Baker Mayfield and backup Kyle Trask. Will they do the same this year, or make room for a third?
These next few days will be critical for players on the bubble.
And now we want to hear from you.
Which players should make the 53-man roster—and why? Drop your picks in the comments and join the conversation as the regular season approaches.
Copyright 2025 WWSB. All rights reserved.