How much should you expect Baker Mayfield to play in the preseason?

Twelve months ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in the middle of a quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Head coach Todd Bowles needed both players to get enough snaps in the preseason to make a decision.

One year and a new $100 million deal later, Mayfield is the man in Tampa Bay, and it changes the Buccaneers' preseason plan.

Every team does things a little differently. Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator and new Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales rested most of the starters in their preseason opener, which made little sense, as Bryce Young needs all the snaps he can get. Other coaches prefer to give their starters time to build rhythm.

We already know which direction Bowles will take for the preseason opener, a potential indication of what's to come over the next few weeks.

Baker Mayfield won't play in Buccaneers' preseason opener vs. Bengals

Bowles confirmed that most of the Buccaneers' starters won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Trask will get the start at quarterback ahead of Mayfield.

The rookies will play, though. We'll get to see first-round pick and projected starter Graham Barton lining up at center.

Being sensible with the starters makes sense. Mayfield won't face a real challenge in the preseason against basic schemes. His best work will come up against Tampa Bay's defense in practice. The downside is not getting the opportunity to build continuity with Barton in a live game.

It remains to be seen whether Bowles will give Mayfield and the starters an opportunity in the final two preseason games, but his decision in the opener is a potential clue. Even if Mayfield gets snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars or Miami Dolphins, we can assume it won't be for long.

We may have to wait until Week 1 to see the $100 million quarterback in action.

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