The Bucs have big decisions to make to get to their final 53-man roster, with key injuries complicating their path to the regular season.
Only one thing stands between the Buccaneers and Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season: cutting down the roster to 53 players. By Tuesday, Tampa Bay will have to cut nearly half the team to get to their initial regular season roster, with the first few cuts beginning at 10 A.M. on Sunday, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
The keyword of the cuts made up to Tuesday is "initial." Not everyone who makes it past Tuesday will be on the roster on Week 1. While the NFL allows up to two players to go on injured reserve with a return designation before Tuesday, the volume of injuries to the Bucs roster may force them to keep certain players on the roster through Tuesday only to be immediately placed on IR.
Waivers also complicate the cut-down process. Any player with less than four accrued NFL seasons is subject to waivers when cut. This includes most of the Bucs' intended practice squad players. If the Bucs believe one of these players might be picked up by another team off waivers, they could keep them on the roster through the initial cut-down period to sneak them onto the practice squad later.
Here is the Bucs' initial 53-man roster prediction heading into the league's roster cut deadline:
Quarterback
Baker MayfieldKyle Trask
The QB2 spot saw more drama than it has in years with the addition of Teddy Bridgewater late in the offseason. While Bridgewater is arguably the superior passer to Kyle Trask, his lack of familiarity with the offense makes him less suitable as Mayfield's primary backup, at least in the coaching staff's eyes. However, this is not necessarily the last we have seen Bridgewater in a Bucs uniform.
Running back
Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean TuckerJosh Williams
Josh Williams earned a roster spot with his special teams ability, but it is Rachaad White's groin injury that likely gets him on the initial 53. White may not be fully healthy by Week 1, so Williams provides solid insurance at the RB4 position.
Wide receiver
Mike EvansChris Godwin*Emeka EgbukaSterling ShepardTez JohnsonRyan Miller
The wide receiver injuries complicate the roster calculations as much as any position on the team. While Chris Godwin appears to be dodging injured reserve to start the season, Jalen McMillan's neck strain may land him there instead. This would give preseason standout Ryan Miller a shot at the regular season roster. It will all come down to how the Bucs' medical staff evaluates the timeline for Godwin and McMillan.
Tight end
Cade OttonPayne DurhamKo Kieft
Missing the final cut is 2024 seventh-round pick Devin Culp. The former Huskie is very good at getting open, less so at actually catching and holding onto the ball. His lack of blocking acumen makes him more expendable than superior receivers worthy of a roster spot like Ryan Miller.
Offensive line
Tristan Wirfs*Ben BredesonGraham BartonCody MauchLuke GoedekeCharlie HeckElijah KleinBen ChukwumaMichael Jordan
It appears Tristan Wirfs will avoid starting the season on injured reserve, though it is highly unlikely he will be ready to play Week 1. Wirfs' status may prompt the Bucs to lean towards maximizing tackle flexibility behind the starting lineup. Michael Jordan saw action at both tackle positions and at left guard, making him one of the more versatile linemen in the group.
Defensive line
Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallGreg GainesElijah RobertsC.J. Brewer
The sixth defensive lineman spot is a bit of a toss-up between C.J. Brewer and veteran Adam Gotsis. Brewer has the benefit of youth and upside, while Gotsis brings experience. Upside can usually push a player over the top if nothing else really stands out.
Outside linebacker
Haason ReddickYaya DiabyChris BraswellAnthony NelsonMarkees Watts
Over the past few seasons, the Bucs have gone into the regular season with six outside linebackers. Injuries at other positions and a lack of premium talent at edge rusher could force the Bucs to reduce that count to five. Markees Watts still has the most promise as a pass rusher, which should get him past the initial cuts.
Inside linebacker
Lavonte DavidSirVocea DennisDeion JonesNick Jackson
Anthony Walker has not been healthy since training camp began, giving undrafted rookie Nick Jackson a chance to shine, particularly during the preseason games. Walker does not have the benefit of familiarity with the defense, whereas Jackson has played the fourth-most defensive snaps across the preseason. With Walker still on the non-football injury list, he may be destined for injured reserve, with Jackson taking his presumptive roster position.
Cornerback
Jamel DeanZyon McCollumJacob ParrishBenjamin MorrisonBryce HallJosh HayesKindle Vildor
Veteran Kindle Vildor appears to have emerged as the victor of the intense roster battle at cornerback that has raged over the preseason. He also has the advantage of being healthy, unlike his primary competition, Tyrek Funderburk. Vildor and Josh Hayes are also special teams contributors, which is where they should see most of their playing time in the regular season.
Safety
Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithChristian IzienKaevon Merriweather
Rashad Wisdom just misses out on making the initial 53-man roster. He is an obvious practice squad candidate and could find his way to the roster sooner rather than later, especially with standout rookie J.J. Roberts heading to injured reserve and missing the season.
Special Teams
Riley DixonChase McLaughlinEvan Deckers
No surprises on special teams. Dixon has looked promising in the preseason, and McLaughlin remains one of the better kickers in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Final Bucs 53-man roster projection following preseason games
Category: Football