The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will turn to rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels for a third straight start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers after veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was ruled out. Daniels has completed 38 of 55 passes in his first three NFL appearances, but Tampa Bay’s clearest path is to keep the game from becoming a high-volume passing assignment against Pittsburgh’s front.
Locked On Bucs host James Yarcho said Daniels’ attempts should stay in the low 20s, with Tampa using the quarterback’s mobility selectively and leaning on its run game. The approach centers on Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving, who enters Week 6 with 406 rushing yards on 77 carries, an average of 5.3 yards per attempt. Irving produced 165 yards and a 72-yard touchdown run in last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Yarcho’s point was less about simply shortening the game than preserving a defense that will have to deal with Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. Warren has 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards through five games, making him the player Tampa Bay must keep from controlling the game on early downs and as a checkdown option.
That puts extra focus on Tampa Bay linebacker Josiah Trotter (knee), who is questionable after being limited Friday. Yarcho called Trotter the Buccaneers’ best answer for Warren because of the rookie’s range and tackling. If Trotter is unavailable, Tampa Bay may need linebacker Christian Rozeboom and its other available defenders to handle more work against a back who can stress the defense on runs, screens and short throws.
The formula is straightforward. Daniels needs to avoid long dropbacks and negative plays, Irving needs to give the offense manageable downs, and the defense needs to keep Warren from extending drives. Tampa Bay does not need Daniels to carry the offense through the air. It needs him to stay within the structure that gives its defense a chance to finish the game.
Buccaneers News and Notes
– Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib) has been ruled out, while Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad) is doubtful. Yarcho said safety Tykee Smith will carry added responsibility on the back end, and rookie defensive back Keionte Scott has already logged 24 tackles and two passes defensed through five games.
– Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (quad) is questionable after limited practices Thursday and Friday. His availability matters because Yarcho wants Tampa Bay to give Pittsburgh a credible rushing threat when Irving is off the field.
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