The Bucs have decided on which player to start at left guard for their second preseason game. Tampa Bay will start rookie Luke Goedeke at left guard against Tennessee on Saturday. Goedeke finally got reps with the starters for the first time during Thursday’s joint practice with the Titans. The second-round draft pick held his own in 1-on-1 pass protection drills, in addition to full team 11-on-11 drills.

Bucs LG Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Now’s the time to give him a look,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said after Thursday’s practice. “You can’t put him in early because he hasn’t learned everything. He’s learned enough now to go in and play. Like we’ve said, we’re giving all these guys shots at guard and his time has come.”

Nick Leverett started at left guard in the first preseason game of the year, a 26-24 loss to the Dolphins, last Saturday. Aaron Stinnie, who is also in the mix, started at right guard in place of starter Shaq Mason. Both Leverett and Stinnie have seen action with the first team at left guard in practice. Brandon Walton is also in the mix and has had starter reps at left guard in practice.

Prior to Thursday, Goedeke has worked mostly as the second-string left guard. Goedeke, who hails from Central Michigan, is making the transition from right tackle in college to left guard in the NFL.

For the second consecutive preseason game, the Bucs will start Blaine Gabbert at quarterback against the Titans. But like last week, Trask is expected to take the majority of reps throughout the game. Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady’s absence continues to be excused for personal reasons.