IBucs rookie tight end Ko Kieft made his NFL debut in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener on Saturday night. In a 26-24 loss to the Dolphins, Kieft played well and was used as a blocking tight end and a fullback.

Kieft served as lead-blocking fullback at the goal line on Ke’Shawn Vaughn’s 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

“It was a little ISO play, which is fun,” Kieft told Pewter Report after the game. “I would have liked to have gotten a little more movement, maybe stay on him a little more, but I got the job done.”

Later in the game, Kieft recorded his first pancake block in the third quarter. Kieft attacked Dolphins rookie linebacker Cameron Goode at the line of scrimmage, drove him back three yards and planted him on his back.

After the game, Kieft admitted he received some aid on the block from right tackle Fred Johnson, who gave Kieft a helping hand on the play.

“Shout out to Fred there,” Kieft said. “He gave me a little shove in the back – gave me a little extra momentum to make it happen.”

Kieft Could Make Bucs’ 53-Man Roster

Bucs coaches and players have been giving Kieft rave reviews in practice for his tenacious blocking. If the Bucs keep four tight ends on their 53-man roster Kieft could get that final roster spot. Veterans Kyle Rudolph and Cameron Brate will make the roster, as will fellow rookie tight end Cade Otton.

Kieft was a cult hero at the University of Minnesota where Kieft’s House of Pancakes t-shirts were sold and worn. With a few more impact blocks for the Bucs, Kieft could achieve a similar status with fans in Tampa Bay.

“It was good to go out and play some real football,” Kieft said after his first preseason game. “I love getting to go out there and hit another person legally. That’s always fun. I’m just focusing on putting out maximum effort and putting that on tape.”