The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to sign experienced quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as they face injury challenges at the position. With Baker Mayfield serving as the starter, the team is seeking to enhance its quarterback depth ahead of the new <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season.
Backup quarterbacks Kyle Trask and Michael Pratt have been competing for playing time, but Pratt’s ongoing injury has raised concerns. NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed that Bridgewater is expected to join the Buccaneers to provide additional support behind center.
“Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per sources,” Schefter wrote. “The Buccaneers will be Bridgewater’s 8th NFL team, and his third NFC South team to go along with the Saints and Panthers.”
Injuries Prompt Buccaneers to Seek Additional Quarterback Support
Throughout training camp, the Buccaneers’ quarterback position has been impacted by injuries, leading the coaching staff to explore options to bolster their lineup. Mayfield is coping with a bruised hand, which has limited his availability during preparation.
Michael Pratt is currently listed as week-to-week with a lower-back issue, leaving his status uncertain. Coach Todd Bowles shared details about Pratt’s condition, emphasizing the need for extra coverage at quarterback.
“He’s got a lower back injury. Right now, it’s week to week,” Bowles told reporters, via SI. “I don’t know when that return will be, but he’s pretty sore back there.”
Bowles also indicated the team’s openness to adding another quarterback given these setbacks.
“We’ve talked about it. We may add one – we’ve been looking,” Bowles said. “We’ll see what happens, depending on who gets hurt and how much room we’ve got.”
Bridgewater’s Experience and Career Overview
Teddy Bridgewater brings significant experience to Tampa Bay’s quarterback room. After stepping away briefly to coach high school football, he returned to the NFL late last season, signing with the Detroit Lions. Despite limited playing time with the Lions, Bridgewater managed a successful playoff pass attempt.
Selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Bridgewater has also played for the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions. Over his career, he has accumulated 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015.
Anticipated Impact and Upcoming Season Outlook
Adding Bridgewater offers Tampa Bay a seasoned option as they navigate uncertainty at quarterback due to injuries. His presence is expected to stabilize the depth chart while Mayfield manages his hand injury and Pratt recovers.
The Buccaneers will begin their season on September 7th against the Atlanta Falcons, with the reinforced quarterback lineup aiming to maintain competitiveness despite recent setbacks.