Buccaneers vs. Bengals preseason Week 1: Top storylines fans must monitor

For the first time in over half a year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers football is back.

It was a busy offseason for the Bucs, who spent most of their time in free agency successfully bringing back some key players. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans were re-signed before hitting the market, while making Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs the highest-paid players at their respective positions.

Not only that, but Jordan Whitehead kept the reunion tour going by deciding to return to Tampa Bay after spending the last few seasons with the Jets. Other veterans like Chase Edmonds, Chase McLaughlin, and Lavonte David were all brough back as the Bucs prepare to try and run back what was a surprisingly successful season last year.

We won’t be seeing any of those guys in the Bucs’ preseason opener against the Bengals, but there will more than a few great reasons for fans to tune in.

Buccaneers vs. Bengals: 3 storylines fans must monitor

First look at the Buccaneers standout rookie class

While head coach Todd Bowles will sit the majority of the Bucs' starters, all seven of Tampa Bay's rookies will start on Saturday and play significant time against Cincinnati. That includes offensive linemen Graham Barton and pass rusher Chris Braswell, both of whom are expected to play major roles at their positions with  and  both suffering injuries in training camp.

Joe Burrow's Return

This one isn’t technically related to the Bucs, but it’s a good thing for anyone who loves football. Joe Burrow will lead the starters on offense, marking his triumphant return after his season was cut short due to injury last year.

It’s also the first time since 2021 that he’ll be playing as a starter in the preseason.

While coach Zac Taylor didn't say how long Burrow is likely to play Saturday, the Bengals' franchise quarterback is poised to make his first game appearance since Nov. 16, when he suffered a season-ending wrist injury. After Taylor sits Burrow, the trio of Jake Browning, Logan Woodside and Rocky Lombardi will take snaps under center against Tampa Bay.

Can Kyle Trask hold off John Wolford as Baker Mayfield’s backup?

With Baker Mayfield sitting out the first preseason game, will get the starting nod from Bowles against the Bengals, with Wolford expected to come in later in the game. Trask, who has only taken 13 career NFL snaps, has a prime opportunity to solidify himself as the team's QB2 behind Mayfield with a good performance on Saturday.

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