TAMPA — Rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst III hauled in a back-shoulder fade for a touchdown during red zone work Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up their 10th day of training camp, with the team set to travel to New York on Monday for two joint practices with the Jets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hurst, who lined up on the far-right side of the formation and climbed the ladder over a defensive back to connect with quarterback Baker Mayfield, said the play reflected a conscious effort to reclaim his identity as a downfield threat. “Just trying to show that that is my game to go up and attacking the ball,” Hurst said. “Lately I have felt like I have not been doing that much but it kind of starts in the morning getting up and just coming in a 6:30 and getting the walk-thru in before we even get outside so that I can just play fast as I want to and not thinking on the field.”
Veteran Chris Godwin Jr. also found the end zone during the red zone period, running a square out from the far left side and boxing out his defender before catching a strike from Mayfield. Head Coach Todd Bowles said Godwin’s health has been the difference this camp. “I think he is healthy right now,” Bowles said. “In the past he has been hurt the last two but he is a lot healthier right now and he is into it mentally he is sharp and he is tough, he understands that he is a great mentor to the guys. He is still a playmaker for us, and he makes big plays in the passing and blocking game. He is peaking at the right time.”
The two joint sessions with the Jets will give Tampa Bay’s offense and defense their first extended look at an unfamiliar scheme before the regular season. Bowles said the change of scenery is critical after 10 days of intrasquad work. “It is a different scheme and making sure that we have our fundamentals and technique down and guys are playing to the ball, playing football,” Bowles said. “Here, it can get a little mundane when you go against the same guy every day and understand each other’s schemes and reading what they are trying to do so to go against another scheme and then try to execute your plan and make sure we get ready for the season.”
The Buccaneers depart for New York on Monday, with the two joint practices scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Coaches plan to use the sessions to gauge roster depth through competitive scrimmages and work through tailored game-like scenarios against the Jets.