The Buccaneers’ 2025 training camp has been reshaped by injuries, notably UDFA safety J.J. Roberts suffering a significant knee injury that will sideline him for the season. Roberts was a notable driver of the rookie safety depth battle, having shown promise in his preseason debut against the Titans. With Roberts out, Kaevon Merriweather, Rash Wisdom, and Shilo Sanders now square off for the backup safety spots, amplifying each snap in the upcoming preseason game against the Steelers. The Bucs also lost edge rusher David Walker to a season-ending knee injury, further thinning a defense that will lean on veterans and youngsters to prove themselves in limited opportunities during Saturday’s dress rehearsal. Fantasy managers should monitor how the increased reps shake out for Merriweather, Wisdom, and Sanders, while also noting how the absence of Roberts and Walker could alter special-teams roles and defensive rotations early in the season. The injury run tightens the competition for the 53-man roster and may force coaches to lean on depth pieces who could surprise in high-leverage moments.

As Tampa Bay navigates this rocky terrain, fantasy players should watch how these backups perform in back-to-back joint practices and in the next preseason tune-up. With the Steelers looming, the battle for the back-end safety spots becomes the center of attention, potentially redefining late-round targets and waiver-wire options for those seeking opportunistic D/ST and defensive flexibility. While the immediate impact is limited, the long-term implications could shift how the Bucs allocate snaps in the secondary, especially in sub-packages where versatile safeties must fill multiple roles. The stewardship of increased snaps will reveal who can translate practice tempo into real-game production, particularly in coverage and special teams.