With the Bucs first preseason game in the books, a 26-24 loss to the Dolphins, the tedious task of trimming down the roster begins. The team will need to cut five players from the roster by Tuesday, August 16 at 4:00 p.m. It’s part of the process to reach the 53-man roster by the end of training camp.

The first wave of cuts will bring the roster to 85 players. The next set of cuts will happen on August 23 with another five players to bring the roster to 80. Finally, the Bucs will need to get down to 53 players on August 30.

The first round of cuts is usually for players who have under-performed, are new to the roster, and at positions of surplus. There’s always the outside chance a player is placed on injured reserve for the season. Essentially allowing the team to cut less than five players. It will be a difficult task for the Bucs, but here are five of the most likely candidates to be released.

OG Curtis Blackwell

Blackwell has played both guard and tackle for the Bucs, seeing a majority of his reps at guard. In such a crowded room on the interior and with other players ahead of him on the depth chart it’s possible the Bucs move on from the undrafted free agent. Blackwell just played 23 snaps Saturday night, tied for the least among offensive linemen.

WR Kameron Brown

The Bucs currently have 14 receivers on the roster. Unfortunately, Brown hasn’t done much to separate himself from the others vying for one of the final spots. While he brings more size than the other undrafted free agents brought in at the position, that hasn’t translated on the field. Brown was only on the field for 11 snaps in Saturday’s preseason game, the lowest of any receiver.

TE Bug Howard

Howard was the last addition to the Bucs roster after they parted ways with punter Sterling Hofrichter. He’s added an extra body to the room and has made a few nice grabs in camp. He did play 19 snaps on offense against the Dolphins, and ended with one reception for six yards. Howard also got called for a holding penalty, negating a big run by Kenjon Barner. He also logged three snaps on special teams. However, with cuts needed to be made its potentially last one on, first one off with Howard.

TE Ben Beise

Beise came into the Bucs still very raw at the position. He’s also been steadily outplayed by fellow undrafted rookie J.J. Howland, and logged the lowest number of snaps (eight) by any offensive player in the Bucs first preseason game. With Cade Otton and Ko Kieft’s impressive rookie performances, and with Kyle Rudolph and Cam Brate on the roster, it could be time to start trimming down the tight end room.

WR Vyncint Smith

Smith has had a good camp for the Bucs and brings size to the room. However, he’s been outplayed by the returning veterans and the undrafted free agents added to the roster. Smith always faced an uphill battle to land a spot on the team, and with 14 receivers, it’s an easy position to make cuts from without losing depth. It also allows the Bucs to give more reps to other wide outs on the roster.

So our prediction is all offense for the defensive-minded head coach with the first round of cuts. Though it’s also the side of the ball the Bucs have the most depth. Other potential cut candidates could include, corners Kyler McMichael and Don Gardner, defensive tackles Willington Previlon and Dedrin Senat, offensive tackles Dylan Cook and Jonathan Hubbard, or linebackers J.J. Russell and Jordan Young. A surprise move could be veteran defensive back Ross Cockrell, who played just 11 snaps on defense and has looked a bit slow in camp.