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When it comes to the first preseason game of the year for the Bucs, we know that the starters won’t be playing. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will not be participating, and even first-round pick, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., likely isn’t playing either.

This leaves it to the backup players to have more chances and playing time than they will in the regular season as many players compete for roster spots. The Bucs also have an interesting situation at the quarterback position, which just took a turn during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Jets.

Backup quarterback Jake Browning left practice early on Tuesday after scrambling on a play. He ran to the left side and then started walking very gingerly when the play was over. He was promptly taken out, tried stretching to fix his ailing back, but ultimately went inside the locker room to receive treatment. Browning didn’t grab any part of his lower body, so it’s possible that he tweaked his back. Connor Bazelak was promptly put in as he and Jalon Daniels also shared more reps on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bucs QB Jake Browning – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R

Browning did not practice at all on Wednesday and wasn’t even out there as a spectator with other injured players. This made only Mayfield, Bazelak and Daniels as the only available quarterbacks. Mayfield of course worked with the starters and got a lot of reps, as he won’t be playing on Friday night. Bazelak then got the second-team reps followed by Daniels, the undrafted rookie, with the third team.

Bazelak had a couple of nice moments, throwing a great touch pass for a touchdown during a red zone drill, and later firing a touchdown pass to a diving Garrett Greene. Daniels was fine, too, showing great zip on his throws.

Who Is Starting For The Bucs At The Jets?

So with no Jake Browning on Wednesday does that mean he is out for Friday?

Not so fast. Todd Bowles wouldn’t take it that far yet, saying that Browning could still be available.

“I mean, Jake is not ruled out of it, either,” Bowles said after Wednesday’s practice. “So he’s getting treatment, and we’re going to see where he’s at the next two days, as well. If not, I’m sure Connor [Bazelak] will start the game.”

It would make sense that Bazelak would get the start if Browning is unavailable. He was a nice surprise in last year’s camp as a rookie, beating out Kyle Trask for the third-string quarterback job and putting him on the practice squad. Bazelak has a little more experience than Daniels at the NFL level, although Daniels will get a lot of reps as well on Friday.

Evidently, it’s an open competition for QB3, but this could potentially be a chance for Bazelak or Daniels to eventually rise up the ranks to QB2 if Browning is out for longer than expected. Browning is going into his eighth year in the NFL. While he’s started 10 career games, there’s a reason why the Bengals elected to trade for Joe Flacco last year rather than stick with Browning for the rest of the season after he went 0-3 in games while Joe Burrow was injured.

Bucs QBs Baker Mayfield, Conner Bazelak and Jalon Daniels – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Bazelak, and Daniels especially, have much more upside as younger players. And with Daniels’ mobility, he has the chance to create splash plays and extend drives more than the others. Should Browning be able to go, that’s also important for the Bucs to ensure he can be the guy for the QB2 role.

Each player will have to prove it, and it’s very important that the Bucs have a true backup ready to go with Mayfield’s type of playing style. This storyline just moved up to the forefront with who will be lining up under center.