TAMPA — Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield singled out free agent running back Kenny Gainwell and third-round draft pick Ted Hurst III as key additions reshaping Tampa Bay’s offense heading into Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium.

Gainwell, a dual-threat running back signed in March, has turned heads throughout training camp with his route-running and pass-catching ability — skills rooted in his college days at Memphis, where he originally committed as a receiver before switching to running back. In 2019, Gainwell tied for third in the country with 23 plays of 20-plus yards, trailing only Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb. He ripped off a 40-yard gain on a precise lateral cut during a joint practice against the Jets.

“He is much more than a gadget guy,” Mayfield said. “I have just been completely overwhelmed with the amount of talent that he has. I did not know until a little later in the spring more towards minicamp that he was a receiver going into college and was a slot receiver at Memphis. That explains why he is so smooth running routes. Then, just him in the run game, he stays true to his tracks and reads his blocks really well. I thought he has been a huge addition for us and is a spark to give Bucky a spell and obviously still have Tuck in there. Josh Williams has had a great camp as well but KG is another guy that adds a veteran presence, a leader and a guy that leads by example and continues to help set the tone for us.”

Gainwell’s incorporation allows teammate Bucky Irving to stay fresh in a backfield rotation the Bucs expect to lean on in 2026. Meanwhile, Hurst, a 6-foot-4 vertical threat selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has flashed his ability to high-point contested catches and work over the top of defenses from the X receiver spot.

“Ted is growing quickly,” Mayfield said. “He is picking things up and is really fast and so that is good for us. It is allowing him to play fast and not think and just use his size and speed and you guys have seen it, he is high-pointing the ball and is really taking advantage of his one-on-one matchups and just contested catches and things like that that when you are a bigger receiver at 6'4,” you want to be a safety blanket for those 50/50 balls and so I am really confident in where Ted is at."

Saturday’s game against Kansas City marks the Chiefs’ first preseason visit to Tampa since 2010. The two clubs have met six times in the preseason, with the Bucs winning five. Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed starters will see playing time, including Mayfield, who did not take a snap during the 2025 preseason. The length of his action will depend on how the first drive unfolds.

“Just efficient plays,” Mayfield said. “Get in there, efficient drives, no negatives. What you are looking for in the preseason is everybody getting lined up and communicating properly and no pre-snap penalties. You know, things in the game, you are going to have penalties and you want to avoid them obviously, but no pre-snap penalties and being on the same page. No ME’s (mental errors) from the one’s and just getting a good few drives whatever that may look like — I have no idea — but definitely getting points.”

Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is set for August 22 in Preseason Week Two.