Josiah Trotter competes for starting linebacker spot with Buccaneers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 11:56 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is weighing the starting lineup at linebacker alongside Alex Anzalone as the regular season approaches. Rookie Josiah Trotter is currently competing for the role against SirVocea Dennis, who has managed lingering injury issues throughout the offseason. Dennis, a fourth-year veteran, struggled during the previous season with a 49.1 defensive grade according to Pro Football Focus. Trotter has impressed during training camp and preseason, recording an 80.5 grade over 21 snaps. While Bowles has not formally named a starter, the coaching staff is evaluating the transition to a revamped defensive group. The team continues preparations with under ten days remaining before the Week 1 kickoff.
- •Todd Bowles has not committed to a starting linebacker to play next to Alex Anzalone.
- •Josiah Trotter earned an 80.5 PFF grade during 21 preseason snaps.
- •SirVocea Dennis has been limited by injury during the offseason.
- •The Buccaneers are integrating multiple rookies and veterans into a revamped defensive unit.
- •The regular season schedule for Tampa Bay begins in slightly more than one week.
- 11:56 PMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers Rookie Closing In on Starting Job Before Week 1
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles did not want to make a definitive statement on who the team’s starting linebacker would be next to Alex Anzalone. However, with a little more than a week to go until their season kicks off, he did admit that rookie Josiah Trotter is making ‘a hell of a […] The post Buccaneers Rookie Closing In on Starting Job Before Week 1 appeared first on HEAVY.
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