TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers second preseason game of the year kicks off in just a few hours, with the Bucs slated to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Steel City.
The Bucs are expected to play most of their starters minus quarterback Baker Mayfield, linebacker Lavonte David, and wide receiver Mike Evans.
With that being said, here are three Bucs players I’ll be keeping a close eye on tonight:
Tez Johnson – The seventh-round draft pick missed the Bucs’ preseason opener against the Titans with a leg injury, so I imagine he’ll be hungry to make a statement tonight. The former Oregon standout is a dynamic player both as a receiver and in the return game. He stated back in May that he wants to be the Bucs’ starting punt returner. If he impresses over these last two preseason games, the job could be his.
Nick Jackson – The undrafted rookie linebacker out of Iowa made his presence felt in the preseason opener against the Titans. He led the Bucs with six tackles and posted a sack, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, an interception, and a pass defensed. He could solidify his spot on the 53-man roster if he continues to generate that kind of production throughout the remainder of the preseason.
Shilo Sanders – Sanders has quickly become a fan favorite in Tampa Bay. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was likely a longshot to make the Bucs 53-man roster, but the season-ending injury to J.J. Roberts could potentially open the door for Sanders to make the team if he makes a good impression. In his NFL debut against the Titans, Sanders recorded one tackle and a quarterback hit.
