TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Football is officially back in Tampa Bay!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the fields Wednesday morning at the AdventHealth Training Center for their first day of training camp.
After going 10-7 and winning the NFC South for the fourth straight year in 2024, the Bucs come into this season confident they can compete for a Super Bowl.
“I know we can get it done,” said veteran linebacker Lavonte David. “I feel like we fell short last year, I feel like we would have had a great run at it last year, honestly. We just fell short, and definitely unfortunate, but probably one of the main reasons why I came back, and I know what are capable of and I know what we can do. We have the talent to do it, and we have the mindset to do it. So, we just got to put it all together and I always say, ‘Offense just do their thing, defense we just have to take care of it.’ We have just got to do a better job defensively, and I think we’ll get to the promised land if we do that.”
Unfortunately for the Bucs, they will likely have to begin the regular season without two of their star players.
Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (knee) and wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) are both expected to miss all of training camp and the preseason.
If Wirfs ends up missing time, look for Charlie Heck to step in his place. The veteran journeyman took reps on as the Bucs’ first-team left tackle during 11-on-11 drills this morning.
As for Godwin, head coach Todd Bowles said he’s hopeful the star wideout will be ready to roll come Week 1.
“He’s coming along great,” said Bowles. “He’s on track. We’ve got to see what the process is for him to get out on the field and do some things. We’ll continue to listen to the doctors and the trainers. He’s in great spirits, as well. Again, I don’t have a timeline on that, but hopefully it’ll be soon.”
A couple of defensive backs made their presence felt during 11-on-11 drills today. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. came up with an interception on back-to-back plays and cornerback Byrce Hall reeled in a pick-six.
