Last season the Bucs were on stringent league and team-mandated COVID protocols. Some of those included, not being able to leave the team hotel when traveling or have family members there. Addressing the media on Wednesday, head coach Bruce Arians said that’s not going to change this season either.

“For us, life is not normal,” Arians said. “We’re pretty much under the same protocols as last year. Just because that’s the way it is, especially living here.

“With Tennessee coming in and going out to dinner, they found out the hard way and so did Ryan [Succop]. We can only tell them so much, but once we get to 53…Even this weekend, our guys are going to make a bunch of sacrifices that you have to make now. Families at the hotel, all of those things are all out the window.”

Last season the Bucs were one of the least affected teams by the COVID-19 virus. Part of the reason was the team bought in and really followed the mandated restrictions. Even with the league relaxing restrictions for players who are vaccinated, the team isn’t going to be following all those guidelines.

“There’s league rules and then there are my rules,” Arians said. “They aren’t going anywhere. We’re doing the same as last year. I don’t give a crap if they’re vaccinated or not. They’re not going anywhere.”

Obviously it worked out pretty well for the Bucs last year, as they won a Lombardi trophy. That led to a historic Super Bowl win in their own backyard. With all 22 starters returning, buying back into to the “one team, one cause” mantra shouldn’t be too difficult.