Buccaneers Players You Should Watch in Preseason Game vs. Chiefs

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to play their second preseason game Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, and it's arguably the most pressing game of the year — starters are expected to play.

The Bucs will put out starters that aren't injured on Saturday, so there are a few we're excited to get a look at. But even beyond those starters, there are a few players who played in the first preseason game against the New York Jets that we — and head coach Todd Bowles — are looking to get some more tape on before the regular season.

With all that in mind, here are four players to keep an eye on Saturday when the Bucs play the Chiefs:

OLB Rueben Bain Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. (3) participates in training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bain is a rookie, so in theory, he should have gotten some playing time against the New York Jets during the team's first preseason game. Bowles felt confident in his work all training camp, though, and as a result, he sat him with the rest of the starters.

Now, though, Bain is set to make his debut on the edge and get his first NFL action. He's looked strong in training camp against the Bucs and in joint practice against the Jets, but we haven't really seen him take full reps without restriction so far this offseason.

Now, Bain will get the chance to dazzle and put on the moves Saturday night, so definitely keep an eye out.

QB Jalon Daniels

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Daniels looked strong during his preseason debut against the Jets, but he also played the second half of the game against lesser competition. It's unknown if quarterback Connor Bazelak will once again play over him on Saturday, but if Daniels plays against some better competition, he'll be one to watch.

Daniels played well without most of Tampa Bay's star or even backup receivers, so it would be interesting to see him with some real weapons at his disposal. He's a raw prospect, but if he plays well again, he could be an intriguing player for the Bucs to potentially stick on the 53-man roster.

LB SirVocea Dennis

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Sirvocea Dennis (8) participates in training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

UPDATE: Dennis was not dressed in pre-game warmups and won't play.

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis is also not dressed tonight. Means more snaps for rookie Josiah Trotter, as well as fellow rookie Caden Fordham, who has impressed in preseason and is battling for a 53/PS spot.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 22, 2026

Fans are really excited about linebacker Josiah Trotter this offseason, and for good reason. But so far, Dennis is the starter during first-team drills, and he'll likely come out that way with the starters on defense too.

If he does, many will be watching to see if he has a strong performance after disappointing in a few respects last season when he had the starting job. If he doesn't and Trotter starts instead, that will say a lot about where Bowles is with the linebacker room, and that's worth watching as well anyway.

Either way, Dennis should get some reps. He needs a great offseason to convince the NFL sphere that he can start, and this will be his first chance.

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