There was a noticeable change today at Bucs vs. Titans joint practices. Rookie guard Luke Goedeke took first-team reps at left guard the entire practice. This included during 1-on-1s and with the team in 11-on-11 periods. When asked about Goedeke’s ascension head coach Todd Bowles said it was time.

“Now’s the time to give him a look,” Bowles said. “You can’t put him in earlier because he hasn’t learned everything. He’s learned enough now to go in and play. We’re giving all these guys shots at guard, and his time has come.”

When asked who would start on Saturday at left guard against the Titans, Bowles was non-committal.

“Not at this moment,” Bowles said. “I have an idea, but I’ll check with Goody (Harold Goodwin) and Joe [Gilbert] and we’ll go from there.”

Goedeke, the team’s second-round pick, is currently locked in a multi-player competition for the starting role with veteran Aaron Stinne, Brandon Walton and Nick Leverett. Leverett is also competing with second-year player Robert Hainsey for the starting center spot.

This past Saturday versus Miami none of those players truly stepped up and separated themselves from the pack. Each had some good moments mixed with inconsistent play. Goedeke posted a 57.9 game grade per Pro Football Focus. This game grade was the second-best of the group, behind just Walton.

Goedeke Fare Well In First Practice Start

Goedeke’s play was solid today among a Bucs line that enjoyed a bounce-back practice after a rough showing yesterday in Tennessee.

It will be interesting to see if Goedeke does indeed get the start on Saturday, as he offers the most athletic upside of the group. He has taken on the challenge of switching positions from right tackle, where he played at Central Michigan, to left guard.

The Bucs may want to use this second preseason game to see what he can do. The Titans have a stout interior rush led by Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons. Goodwin has said the Bucs are hoping to make a decision as to who the starter will be, and Bowles said that will likely take place after the preseason finale at Indianapolis. This will allow that starter to build some continuity with Hainsey and left tackle Donovan Smith heading into the start of the season.