Jake Browning has been a standout in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training camp. He was set to debut this week when they play the Jets in their first preseason game. Without Baker Mayfield, who will sit the game out, Browning had a perfect opportunity to showcase his talents. Now rookie Jalon Daniels could get that shot.
Browning was injured in practice on Tuesday. Head coach Todd Bowles said it was his back, but would not elaborate on the nature of the injury or the duration of time he might miss. It does, however, look as though he could miss this week's game.
If Browing can't go, Daniels and fellow backup QB Connor Bazelak will be shooting it out for a chance at earning the "emergency" number three position, which will likely be nothing more than a spot on the practice squad.
Jake Browning injury is perfectly timed for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback competition
If a player who is going to make the roster misses a preseason game, it's typically good that it's the first one. Most players stay on the field for a few series before giving the team over to a backup. In this case, Browning missing the game wouldn't be a horrible thing.
The Buccaneers need Browning for their second preseason game. Mayfield will likely get the start for a drive or two before his backup takes over into the third or fourth quarter. At that time, Daniels or Bazelak will clean up. In week three, Browning will get more playing time as Mayfield sits.
Daniels is an intriguing prospect. He went undrafted in April and was signed by Jason Licht after the draft. Many believed he would be a late third-day selection.
While at Kansas, Daniels competed in 49 career games since 2020, giving him six college seasons. The downside of that is he wasn't able to muster a better draft position with that much tape. He finished his college career throwing for 9,282 yards on 1,193 attempts and 67 touchdowns.
Despite the impressive numbers, Daniels dealt with injuries throughout his career with the Wildcats. In addition, his smaller frame was a turnoff for many NFL general managers and scouts.
Daniels will have to beat Bazelak for the backup to the backup job. Bazelak has one season under his belt, but that was on the practice squad in 2025. The QB went undrafted in 2024 after stints in Missouri, Indiana, and finally Bowling Green.
No less impressive, Bazelak threw for 12,349 yards on 1,828 completions in his six college seasons. He dropped 66 touchdowns to 39 interceptions. Against the Jets, Buccaneers fans are going to see a lot of both undrafted QBs.
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