The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return with a resounding win

TAMPA, Fla. — After 209 days, Tampa Bay Buccaneers football returned Saturday night with a 29-7 preseason win over the Tennessee Titans, kicking off the franchise’s 50th season.

The Buccaneers debuted new pewter helmets with a smaller logo decal and a slightly different shade, paired with red jerseys and white pants. Most starters, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David, did not play.

Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, cornerback Jacob Parrish and defensive lineman Elijah Roberts — all 2025 draft picks — made their professional debuts. Egbuka had a 21-yard reception on the opening drive and nearly hauled in a one-handed touchdown before exiting for the night. Parrish recorded two pass breakups.

The Buccaneers’ offense, ranked in the top five in points, yards and third-down conversion rate in 2024, picked up where it left off, rushing for 178 yards on 4.3 yards per carry. Owen Wright led the ground game with 87 yards and a touchdown

Fifth-year quarterback Kyle Trask, the team’s backup for the past two seasons, started and played the first half. He completed 12-of-16 passes for 129 yards, including a 25-yard strike to wide receiver Jalen McMillan on the first play from scrimmage. It was a promising sign for a Buccaneers offense aiming to be among the NFL’s best again in 2025.

Second-year receiver Ryan Miller was the game's leading pass catcher with six receptions for 66 yards.

Running back Rachaad White started but left in the first quarter with a groin injury. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team is awaiting test results. Sean Tucker, who filled in, ran for 50 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

If White is sidelined, the Buccaneers’ rushing attack is expected to remain strong. Tucker had a standout performance in Week 6 of the 2024 season filling in for White against New Orleans, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Tampa Bay’s defense faced top overall pick Cam Ward for two drives, forcing a three-and-out before surrendering an 11-play touchdown march.

Linebacker Sirvocea Dennis returned from a season-ending shoulder injury sustained last September Dennis is projected to start alongside David at inside linebacker, a key role in the Buccaneers’ defense.

Undrafted rookie Shilo Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, made his presence felt in the third quarter with a quarterback hit that forced an incompletion.

The Buccaneers, who ranked 20th in takeaways last season and recorded just seven interceptions, collected three in the second half. Cornerbacks Roman Parodie and Tyrek Funderburk and linebacker Nick Jackson each had picks, with Parodie returning his for a touchdown. Jackson also finished with six tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup.

A crowd of 60,488 attended the game at Raymond James Stadium.

Up next, Tampa Bay will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m., with most starters expected to play, according to JoeBucsFan.com.