There has been a lot of discussion around the Bucs’ 2021 second-round pick, quarterback Kyle Trask over the past two years. From the in-state Florida-Florida State rivalry to a fraction of the fan base that feels like Trask was a wasted pick, to the people who are hopeful he can be the heir apparent to Tom Brady. Yet there hasn’t been an opportunity in the regular season to see what he can do.

That may change on Sunday when Tampa Bay takes on Atlanta in Week 18. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles was asked if Trask, who has been inactive for 35 straight games, would be active for their games against the Falcons.

“He may dress, “Bowles said. “He has a good chance of dressing.”

While the Bucs are set to roll out their healthy starters on Sunday, it is unknown how long they will play for. With Tampa Bay locking up the NFC South there isn’t much to play for other than a winning record. The team is guaranteed a home playoff game and may feel risking and already banged up club to injury for a full game isn’t worth it. If the Bucs can jump out to an early lead or vice versa, starters could be pulled.

Bowles had already said that Gabbert would get first ups coming in for Brady, but Trask could be in line for snaps after. It would already be Trasks first game as an active NFL quarterback on game days but it could come with a chance to play.

Is Bucs Backup QB Trask Ready?

While Trask has been inactive for every Bucs game that doesn’t mean the coaching staff doesn’t think he is ready if called upon. On Wednesday Bowles applauded the young quarterback’s determination to work at his craft and put himself in the best position possible.

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Since he’s been here, every time I look out my window, he’s out there working on his own,” Bowles said.  “He has the greatest resolve and toughness and inner strength almost than any person I’ve seen. A young guy coming out – he prepares every day. When his time comes, he’s going to be ready because I see him working at it every day. He has inner toughness, he has inner strength, and he has the drive and the will to win. If you put that together, given the opportunity, I think he’s going to take advantage of it.”

This isn’t Trask’s first time waiting in the wings for his opportunity. He didn’t start in high school, sitting behind star quarterback D’Eriq King. Then he had to bide his time in college with the Florida Gators behind Felipe Franks, who is now a tight end in Atlanta. After two years of developing behind the scenes, Trask will be excited and ready for the opportunity.

“Yeah it’d be very exciting,” Trask said. “I haven’t heard anything, but I will say if I get the opportunity I’ll be ready to go. I’ll just prepare like I’ve done the past two seasons every week. I know the game plan, I know what I’m doing and I will be very excited if I do get the opportunity.”