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Buccaneers deal with injuries to key players in preseason battles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 5:35 PM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Buccaneers deal with injuries to key players in preseason battles

Summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed linebacker Christian Rozeboom and cornerback Josh Hayes in their preseason opener against the New York Jets. Head coach Todd Bowles described their condition as 'banged up' without providing a return timeline. Rozeboom, competing for a starting spot, was among the players absent in a crucial period for roster competition. Hayes, a 2023 sixth-round selection, faces challenges from other cornerbacks while needing to showcase his skills on defense. The team will continue evaluating its roster depth over the remaining preseason games.

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Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Rozeboom and Hayes missed the preseason opener against the Jets.
•Bowles classified their injuries as 'banged up' without a clear timeline.
•Rozeboom is competing for a starting spot after joining from the Panthers.
•Hayes faces competition from other cornerbacks who performed well.
•The Buccaneers have two more preseason games to assess their roster.

Latest Updates

5:35 PMYahoo Sports — Two ‘Banged Up’ Buccaneers Losing Ground in Roster Battles

What they're saying

"
Two notable players missed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ preseason opening win against the New York Jets. The team was without linebacker Christian Rozeboom and cornerback Josh Hayes. Head coach Todd Bowles categorized their status as ‘banged up‘ and did not provide a timeline for their return.Still, these are two players competing for jobs, whether it […] The post Two ‘Banged Up’ Buccaneers Losing Ground in Roster Battles appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Carolina Panthers Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football

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External links

Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 5:35 PM
Two ‘Banged Up’ Buccaneers Losing Ground in Roster Battles
Two notable players missed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ preseason opening win against the New York Jets. The team was without linebacker Christian Rozeboom and cornerback Josh Hayes. Head coach Todd Bowles categorized their status as ‘banged up‘ and did not provide a timeline for their return.Still, these are two players competing for jobs, whether it […] The post Two ‘Banged Up’ Buccaneers Losing Ground in Roster Battles appeared first on HEAVY.

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