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Buccaneers plan limited preseason play for rookie Rueben Bain

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 9:57 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Buccaneers plan limited preseason play for rookie Rueben Bain

Summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are treating first-round pick Rueben Bain with caution ahead of the preseason opener. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Bain may not play much, if at all, suggesting limited snaps as he acclimates to the NFL. Bain has performed well in training camp and joint practices, which has led to expectations of him being a strong contributor in the regular season. Sources indicate that Bain is among the favorites for the Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Buccaneers typically allow their starters to play more in the second preseason game, which could provide Bain additional opportunities later on.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Todd Bowles suggests Bain might not play in the preseason opener.
•Bain has excelled in training camp and joint practices.
•Expectations for Bain include a strong regular season performance.
•Bain is a top contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
•The Buccaneers generally increase starter usage in the second preseason game.

Latest Updates

9:57 PMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers Rookie Earns Star Treatment Before Debut

What they're saying

"
It is safe to say the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are satisfied with their first-round pick, Rueben Bain. While the preseason is usually a great chance for rookies to acclimate to the speed of the NFL, head coach Todd Bowles does not think that Bain needs much acclimation. Bowles suggested that Bain might not play in […] The post Buccaneers Rookie Earns Star Treatment Before Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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