TAMPA— Todd Bowles always planned to start Kyle Trask in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.
The Bucs kept their plans at quarterback a bit of secret after that. Who would follow Trask was never announced, as Bowles said Thursday, “then we’ll go from there.”
But Trask won’t be replaced by Teddy Bridgewater. The 32-year-old veteran has an illness and will not play, the team announced Saturday.
Last week, Bridgewater started at Pittsburgh and completed 6 of 11 passes for 85 yards, including touchdown passes to running back Bucky Irving and rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Bridgewater had only been with the Bucs for 12 days when he played against the Steelers. Turns out, it will be his only appearance in a game this preseason.
It’s uncertain how long Trask will play against the Bills, but he could use a good outing to atone for his performance against the Steelers. He went 3 of 10 passing for 30 yards and was sacked once.
The Bucs also were expected to play rookie free-agent Connor Bazelak.
The Bucs have been noncommittal about how many quarterbacks they plan to keep on the 53-man roster.
Trask, the former Florida Gators star, is in his fifth year with the team but has only attempted 11 career passes, completing four for 28 yards.
Trask signed a one-year, $2.787 million contract as a free agent in March that included $1,337,500 guaranteed at signing.
The Bucs have some options with Bridgewater. They could ask him to sign with their practice squad and activate him if needed.
The question is whether they feel more comfortable with Trask or Bridgewater backing up Baker Mayfield, who did not dress for Saturday’s game.
It may be hard for the Bucs to carry three quarterbacks on the roster, especially since activating receiver Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs from the physically unable to perform list. Neither player is expected to be ready before October.
Bucs assistant OK after heart scare
Bucs safeties coach Nick Rapone missed Saturday’s game after experiencing a “heart scare” earlier in the week. However, the 69-year-old is expected to return to work next week.
Rapone has been part of the Bucs coaching staff since Bruce Arians was hired by the team in 2019. He has remained with the club in the same capacity under Bowles.
“He’s good. Little heart scare,” Arians said in a text to the Tampa Bay Times Saturday night.
The Bucs safeties were expected to be coached Saturday by defensive assistant Keith Tandy.
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