JACKSONVILLE — Rookie receiver Ted Hurst III matched up against the Jaguars’ Travis Hunter throughout the first day of joint practices at the Miller Electric Center and more than held his own, hauling in catches over the middle and flashing the vertical ability Tampa Bay drafted him to provide.
Hurst caught a chain-moving pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield, who rolled out of the pocket and hit the receiver in the chest on a crossing route. The long-framed wideout showed the route-running refinement that has come with his absorption of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system, generating separation on in-breaking routes and back-shoulder fades while winning contested-catch reps.
“I think he has been doing a great job,” veteran receiver Chris Godwin Jr. said of Hurst. “He is very receptive to coaching and he wants to be a great player. I think the sky is the limit. He has an unbelievable potential to make some really, really good plays. He is so explosive, especially for that size. He has that ability to jump and make really tough catches.”
The Buccaneers also got a boost from the return of left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who had been sidelined since straining his hamstring during a conditioning run early in training camp. Wirfs participated in 11-on-11 work against the Jaguars for the first time since the injury. “Good to see him fresh,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “Obviously, he is making progress, so we just have to keep making strides.” Nose tackle Vita Vea also returned to the field, winning a one-on-one rep against Robert Hainsey with his trademark bull rush and elevating the defensive line’s play during team periods.
Bowles indicated the starters are unlikely to play in the preseason finale at EverBank Stadium on Friday, mirroring the approach Tampa Bay used during Preseason Week One when starters sat out the exhibition at MetLife Stadium after joint practices with the Jets. “Right now I am leaning towards not playing them but we will see how tomorrow goes,” Bowles said.
Wednesday’s second joint practice session against Jacksonville will determine whether the coaching staff feels any starters need additional reps before the regular season opener.