After a couple of joint practices with the Titans on Wednesday and Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hoodie , the Buccaneers will conclude their week in Tennessee on Saturday with their second preseason matchup. Tampa Bay saw some encouraging things in its preseason opener last week, but this week presents a new opportunity for different players to step up. Which players have the most to gain on Saturday?RB Shaun WilsonWhen it comes to rookie running backs on the roster, Ronald Jones II gets most of the attention. But early in camp, undrafted rookie Shaun Wilson has impressed. Heading into last Thursday’s game against the Dolphins, many were excited to get their first glimpse of the Duke product in NFL game action. Unfortunately, that glimpse never came as he was unable to suit up due to a minor injury.This week, it looks like Wilson should be good to go. Saturday is a big day for him, as a goodshowing might go a long way. He has been getting work on special teams, which suits his speed quite well. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, so seeing time as a return man and/or punt gunner makes sense. Not only could he win a roster spot with his special teams work, but he still is very much in the mix for a spot in the backfield. Jones and Peyton Barber are firmly set as the team’s top two running backs, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear No. 3 behind them. Both Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims are still on the roster. Dare Ogunbowale, who looked solid last week against Miami, could be a threat too. But if Wilson shows more upside than the other three, what reason is there to deny him of the No. 3 spot? He has some competition, but he will be out to prove himself on Saturday. Showing that he can get it done in game action would be huge for his chances of earning a roster spot— whether it’s on special teams or in the backfield rotation.CB Ryan SmithOn the other side of the ball, the Bucs have a cornerback in major need of a bounce-back game. Third-year pro Ryan Smith struggled a lot last week against Miami. It didn’t take long for the Dolphins quarterbacks to notice, as they started picking on him repeatedly. If you’re getting picked on by multiple quarterbacks in a preseason game, that’s not a great look. Plus, from what has circulated on Twitter this week, he hasn’t had the best week of practice either.With rookies Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart appearing ready to earn a lot of snaps this year
Youth Customized Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys , Smith is already up against a lot. His struggles aren’t helping his case, but he should get plenty of opportunities to rebound on Saturday. With Brent Grimes being a veteran (and coming off an injury) and Vernon Hargreaves III out with a groin injury, Smith will get his fair share of snaps against Tennessee.He is already in danger of sliding down the depth chart due to the emergence of the rookies, but Saturday will give him an opportunity to do some damage control. He showed little flashes of potential when he was thrown into the fire last year.
