Buccaneers' joint practice: Hurst and Trotter stand out in loss to Jaguars
Tampa Bay struggled in the first joint practice against Jacksonville, with the Jaguars dominating on both sides. Wide receiver Ted Hurst made a strong catch in the end zone that was ruled incomplete, and linebacker Josiah Trotter recorded a would-be sack. Cornerback Ayden Garnes also impressed with a pass breakup.
The Buccaneers traveled to Jacksonville for the first of two scheduled joint sessions, with the second set for Wednesday. Tampa Bay's offense struggled throughout, managing no confirmed touchdowns during team periods, while the defense also surrendered big plays, including a deep score on the opening snap of 11-on-11 work. Several starters were limited or absent, pushing younger players into expanded roles.
Ted Hurst's disputed end-zone catch highlighted a frustrating day for the passing game, as officials ruled him out of bounds despite multiple observers believing he secured both feet. Josiah Trotter filled in at linebacker with SirVocea Dennis sidelined and made a strong case for increased playing time. Ayden Garnes continued his impressive camp with another key defensive play, building on his earlier preseason interception return for a touchdown.
This practice performance could influence roster decisions as the Buccaneers approach final cuts, potentially shaping the team's depth chart for the regular season. Strong showings from fringe players like Garnes and Trotter may affect not only their own careers but also the team's defensive versatility. Fans and analysts may interpret the offense's struggles as a concern heading into the season, though joint practices often produce uneven results that do not always predict regular-season performance.