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# Buccaneers improve to 2-0 in preseason with win over Steelers
- URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/buccaneers-improve-to-2-0-in-preseason/
- Published: 2025-08-18T16:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-21T15:47:01.000Z
- Author: Collin Sherwin
- Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44

PITTSBURGH — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-14 on Saturday night in their second preseason game of 2025.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/ddfc5c5f-f98a-4ba8-8cd9-e88c509fe39c_2667x4000-jpeg.jpg)

Vanessa Wenzl | Bay Area Examiner

With the game tied at 14 in the final three minutes, Buccaneers linebacker, and former USF standout, Antonio Grier Jr. intercepted a pass from Logan Woodside and returned it to the Steelers’ 27-yard line. That set up kicker Chase McLaughlin for a 42-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Buccaneers improved to 2-0 in the preseason with wins over the Titans and Steelers. All of the team’s projected healthy starters played except quarterback Baker Mayfield, linebacker Lavonte David and wide receiver Mike Evans.

Mayfield was originally expected to play, but head coach Todd Bowles pulled him after being impressed with his performance in a joint practice with the Steelers last Thursday.

Newly signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater started and played three drives, throwing two touchdown passes. Entering his 11th NFL season and first with Tampa Bay, Bridgewater is now on his seventh NFL team.

Running back Bucky Irving made his preseason debut after a rookie campaign in which he rushed for 1,122 yards, becoming the first Buccaneer to top 1,000 rushing yards in a season since Doug Martin in 2015\. On Saturday, Irving showcased his receiving ability, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass from Bridgewater in the first quarter.

###### [Video via @Buccaneers on Twitter.](https://x.com/Buccaneers/status/1956859964552519856?ref=bayareaexaminer.com)

Bridgewater also connected with rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka on a 5-yard touchdown pass. Egbuka, the No. 19 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded his first career touchdown.

Seventh-round rookie Tez Johnson also made his professional debut, finishing with four receptions for 24 yards. He had a 37-yard punt return in the first quarter — longer than any Buccaneers return during the 2024 regular season — setting up a touchdown drive. Later, however, Johnson muffed a punt that Pittsburgh recovered and converted into a touchdown.

Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan left in the first quarter with a back injury and did not return.

McMillan later posted on Instagram, writing, “God is amazing. Don’t worry y’all I’m straight.” The team has not provided an update on his status.

After scoring on their second and third possessions, the Buccaneers’ offense cooled off. Tampa Bay’s rushing attack was stifled, managing just 41 yards on 24 carries for 1.7 yards per attempt.

Quarterback Kyle Trask, who shined last week against Tennessee with 129 passing yards on 12-of-16 attempts, struggled against Pittsburgh, completing just three of 10 passes for 19 yards. The battle for the backup job between Trask and Bridgewater remains unsettled with one preseason game left.

The Buccaneers defense did not face new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, instead squaring off with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Woodside. Tampa Bay intercepted three passes in the game.

Cornerback Zyon McCollum, coming off a career year in 2024, grabbed the first interception in the opening quarter. Kindle Vildor, a former Detroit Lion who signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay this offseason, added another along with four tackles and two pass breakups.

Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish impressed again, recording three tackles, a pass breakup and a tackle for loss.

Linebacker Haason Reddick also made his Buccaneers debut after signing a one-year deal this offseason. Reddick, who has 59 career sacks, is expected to boost the pass rush.

The Buccaneers will close out the preseason against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium.