TAMPA — Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that starters, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, will take the field Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium, marking Mayfield’s first preseason action since 2024.
Mayfield, entering a contract year in 2026, said he is looking for “efficiency” and “no mental errors” against the Chiefs. Last season, Mayfield completed 343 of 543 attempts (63.2%) for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Through Week Five of the 2025 slate, he was tied for third in touchdown passes (10), fourth in passing yards (1,283), fourth in touchdown-to-interception ratio (10.0) and ninth in passer rating (104.4). He rushed 29 times on third downs in 2025, converting 21 for first downs — a 72.4% success rate — and posted a career-high 382 rushing yards, ranking ninth in the NFL among quarterbacks.
First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. will face an unfamiliar opponent for the first time Saturday after dominating training camp headlines. Bain has stayed after practice daily in the Florida heat to run sprints and work pass rush moves, and has posted quick wins against the first-team offense with a deep arsenal of moves. Bowles’ defensive front stands to gain a disruptive edge rusher who wins with both power and finesse.
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey returns with a clean bill of health after a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the Week Two win over the Houston Texans ended his 2025 season. Kancey was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 17 and accumulated just 97 total snaps, forcing Elijah Roberts into extended action opposite Vita Vea. A product of the same Miami pipeline as Bain, Kancey brings rare first-step quickness honed at Pittsburgh.
Free agent linebacker Alex Anzalone has locked down the starting Mo role in Bowles’ defense, earning praise for his range, pass-coverage awareness against running backs and tight ends, and mentorship of young linebackers. Free agent running back Kenny Gainwell has added another dimension to offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s scheme with his pass-catching ability and return skills. Mayfield described being “overwhelmed” by Gainwell’s talent.
How smoothly the first offensive possession unfolds Saturday will dictate how long Mayfield and the starters remain on the field against Kansas City.