There are two games left for the Buccaneers before the playoffs begin, and these players have a chance to carve out larger roles going forward.
A Week 17 matchup between the Buccaneers and the Jets is far from the Super Bowl, but winning the next two games is still paramount for the playoffs.
The top seed is likely out of reach, but Tampa still has an opportunity to secure the second seed with a little bit of playoff luck, and that will require winning both of the upcoming games.
This would be an easy prospect if the whole roster was healthy, but instead, several new faces will be in some larger roles due to injuries, and there is a chance that the results from the game tomorrow could shake the depth chart up down the stretch.
Player #1: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
JTS has already played like a starter this season, and while the Bucs would be happy to keep bringing him in as a matchup nightmare for some offensive linemen with Jason Pierre-Paul as the starter, there are arguments to be made that JPP should be in the depth role now.
This won’t be Tryon-Shoyinka’s first start of the season, but a good performance tomorrow could mean that he adds a few playoff starts to his resume this year.
Player #2: Cyril Grayson
If you haven’t noticed Cyril Grayson yet, we can’t help you. The young receiver has broken out as one of the most efficient players on the roster, and tomorrow could seal the deal for Grayson emerging as one of the top receivers down the stretch.
Tampa has struggled with plenty of receiver injuries, and a great game tomorrow could show that Grayson is ready for WR3 snaps with Mike Evans and Antonio Brown also on the field.
Player #3: Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Some people may not have the patience for Vaughn, but Bruce Arians still seems to like him, and that certainly goes a long way for playing time.
Vaughn looked good as a runner and as a blocker last week, and a good catching performance tomorrow could move Vaughn into the second role behind Leonard Fournette if he proves to be better in the passing game than Ronald Jones.
Want to write about the Buccaneers? Apply below!