The Buccaneers flashed both promise and concern in their Pittsburgh tuneup. Bridgewater operated with veteran poise, finishing 6-of-11 for 85 yards with two touchdowns and guiding two scoring drives, keeping QB2 chatter alive behind Mayfield. Trask struggled, hinting at deeper questions about TB’s Week 1 depth chart. Injuries to Godwin Jr. and Wirfs tightened the backfield calculus and underscored the need for more robust line play and running production.

Playmakers stepped up: Emeka Egbuka landed TB’s first NFL TD on a clean route, Zyon McCollum flashed lockdown potential with an early INT, and Kindle Vildor added an interception and sticky coverage. Jacob Parrish reinforced his growing cornerback ceiling, while Charlie Heck’s edge discipline and Wirfs’ looming return frame TB’s strategic decisions. The ground game lagged, and the defense will face steeper tests as injuries shape the next game plan.

In all, TB’s preseason flow suggests a competitive QB2 race, with Bridgewater’s steadiness potentially nudging Trask into a more defined role. Injuries and pass rush issues demand a closer look at O-line depth and backfield balance. The Steelers will be ready to test TB again, but early returns point to a capable, evolving depth chart that fantasy players should watch closely as rosters trim.