Things aren't looking so good for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backup quarterback Kyle Trask. He seemed to have the second-string job secured just a couple of months ago, but he's about to lose it if he doesn't show out in the team's preseason finale this weekend.
Todd Bowles made Trask's standing with the Bucs abundantly clear this week, indicating that the team might only carry two quarterbacks into the regular season.
All signs point to Trask being cut unless he wins his spot back in Saturday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Todd Bowles' newest quotes point to Kyle Trask getting cut from Buccaneers' roster
The final act of the battle for Tampa Bay's second-string quarterback spot might be the most intriguing part of their preseason finale. Teddy Bridgewater, who started out as the underdog in the competition, seems like the frontrunner at the moment. The 32-year-old was signed off the streets just weeks ago, but he's adjusted quickly. If he outperforms Trask this weekend, the job is likely his.
In recent years, some NFL teams have ditched the idea of rostering a third quarterback. The Buccaneers seem to be following the trend, which is bad news for Trask. Per Fox Sports writer and team insider Greg Auman, Bowles "said it's possible they only carry two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, though those decisions can change based on injuries at other positions."
Trask will have to recover from an abysmal game last weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed just three of his ten passes for 19 total yards. On the other hand, Bridgewater looked clinical, throwing for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Bowles said Trask will be the starter in the preseason game against the Bills. Presumably, Bridgewater will get at least a few series after Trask is done. Bills coach Sean McDermott hasn't made the final decision on whether he will play his starters against Tampa Bay. If Trask has to face off with Buffalo's top unit, he could be in for trouble.
To make matters worse, Trask will be playing behind the Bucs' backup offensive line. A second-string front against Bills' defensive stars like Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa seems like a recipe for disaster.
After being drafted by the Buccaneers out of the University of Florida in the second round just four years ago, it looks like Trask's time with the team might already be coming to an end.