The door is starting to close on several Buccaneers players’ futures with the team after a tough start to training camp

These Bucs players aren’t in an enviable position after the first week of training camp.

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor
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Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (10) works out at One Buc Place.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

There’s plenty to talk about after the first week of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, regarding both the good and the bad.

We’ve already talked about the guys who have really improved their stock over the last seven days. Therefore, we can’t move forward without talking about the ones who have seen their stock fall during the same span.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Buccaneers players who have seen their stock drop after the first week of training camp

A handful of injured Buccaneers players

Players can’t control injuries to a large extent and while there are guys like Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs whose roster spots are safe, there are others who can ill-afford to miss valuable training camp reps.

For instance, guard Sua Opeta and quarterback Michael Pratt are the first two names that come to mind. Opeta was expected to be a serious contender for a backup job along the interior offensive line, but “setbacks” from last year’s ACL injury forced him onto the PUP list. Pratt is also on PUP with a lower back injury – he hasn’t participated in any offseason activities in terms of practice and whatnot. The Bucs are also considering bringing in another quarterback, which isn’t ideal for his QB3 prospects.

Running back D.J. Williams and wide receiver Kameron Johnson have now missed the last three practices. On the defensive side of the ball, Desmond Watson has been on the Non-Football Illness list since the start of camp. His odds of making the roster have been tough since the start and this only makes them worse. Safety Marcus Banks has missed the last three practices which is definitely hurting his odds of making the team as guys like J.J. Roberts continue to make plays.

Lastly, there’s linebacker Anthony Walker, who’s still on the Non-Football Injury List. His roster spot is probably safe, regardless, but it’s important to mention him because he was getting a ton of positive reviews during OTAs and minicamp. It’s disappointing he’s been unable to get on the field.

Most of these guys also have unknown recovery timelines which adds another complicated layer to their situations. Their stock will continue to drop the longer they’re not on the field and it’s unfortunate because it’s not their fault(s).

We could talk about all these guys on an individual level, but that would be a bit cheap and lazy, so we are going to lump them all together, here, and move on.

QB Connor Bazelak

With Pratt out, Bazelak is in far better position to win the QB3 job or make the practice squad, but he simply hasn’t taken advantage of the extra reps he’s received. More often than not, reports are mentioning interceptions more than they are touchdowns or positive plays.

It was always going to be an uphill battle for Bazelak and the odds of the Bucs carrying a third QB are very low regardless of who’s on the roster. Still, he hasn’t really done himself any favors. At the same time, Pratt’s absence could lead Bazelak to the practice squad by default, but the Bucs have already expressed the possibility of bringing in someone else from the outside. So, it’s clear he needs to keep working.

WR Trey Palmer

The Buccaneers’ wide receiver room is basically set regarding the first five spots: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson form the group. It’s hard to see the team carrying any more than six receivers on the roster, so it’s an all-out battle for the final spot. If the Bucs even decide to go with six wideouts.

So far, not much has been made about Palmer. There have been reports of him making a play here and there, but he hasn’t consistently stacked the needed days to win the final job. He needs a big camp after a disappointing 2024 campaign, but it continues to look more and more like he’s getting lost in the shuffle. He missed Tuesday evening’s practice, as well, which isn’t what he needs at this point.

What really stings is the fact his best shot at making this team is in the return game, but there are better options in front of him. Palmer’s really going to have to step it up after a quiet first week of camp.

CB Tyrek Funderburk

Speaking of getting lost in the shuffle – that is the case with Funderburk through the first week of Buccaneers training camp. The Bucs secondary has produced big plays all over the place on a consistent basis and just about everyone’s name has been mentioned but his.

It’s a disappointing start for the former UDFA, who made a name for himself last preseason before eventually earning some playing time during the regular season. He wasn’t a shoe-in to make the team, by any means, but certainly had a shot considering last year’s experience.

If he doesn’t pick it up as soon as possible, he could even find himself as the next corresponding move if the Bucs decide to bring in a running back or quarterback like they’ve mentioned.

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