Fans May Have to Wait to See Buccaneers' Top Draft Pick Play in Preseason

Bucs fans will likely have to wait a little bit longer to see their team's number one draft pick take the field this preseason.

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fans in Tampa Bay collectively rejoiced the moment that Roger Goodell announced Rueben Bain Jr. would be the selection when the Buccaneers made their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Draft picks can be very contentious.

There are so many different players, positions and levels of competition to evaluate when considering which player will be the best fit for a given roster. Not only do these debates happen between NFL scouts and decision-makers, but also among fans as well.

However, when the Bucs selected Bain 15th overall this past April, it was pretty well unanimous amongst the fanbase that Tampa Bay had just hit a home run.

Not only was Bain a born-and-raised Floridian, but he played his college ball at Miami, where his dominating style of play off the edge helped the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game for the first time in almost a quarter of a century.

The Bucs have been in desperate need of an impact edge rusher for many years now. Bain's selection provides at least the potential for that dream to become a reality.

Bain Has Impressed in First NFL Training Camp

Jul 31, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. (3) participates in training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bain's explosive power, relentless style of play, and versatility to both rush the passer and defend the run at a high level made for what could easily be considered the easiest decision in Jason Licht's tenure as GM of the Bucs.

Although we've yet to see Bain make his NFL debut, the early returns have been extremely positive. Throughout minicamp, training camp and joint practices, Bain has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and the fans who have gotten the opportunity to watch him practice.

"I can't wait to see what he does this season."
Even Reuben Bain Jr's teammates are excited to see what the rookie can do on the field this season after an impressive start to training camp. #WeAreTheKrewe #NFL #NFLNews | @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/Q5QH5Vlw8T

— Sean Barie FOX 13 (@SeanBarieTV) August 11, 2026

Everyone who has been impressed by what they've seen from Bain so far, though, is going to have to wait a little longer to see the dynamic defender in live game action.

Rueben Bain Jr. Will Not Play in Bucs First Preseason Game

Aug 6, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles talks to media after training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On Tuesday, following the second day of Buccaneers' joint training camp practices with the New York Jets ahead of their preseason game on Friday, Todd Bowles informed the media that he doesn't see Bain playing much, if at all, in the game, per Jeff Dubrof.

Bowles doesn’t foresee Rueben Bain playing much if at all on Friday night #bucs

— Jeff Dubrof (@JeffDubrofTV) August 12, 2026

Although many fans who have been eagerly awaiting Bain's NFL debut may find themselves disappointed, this is a positive sign regarding the role that Bain has already carved out for himself on this football team.

Not only was Bain listed as a starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart which was recently released, but the fact that the team is likely to rest him in their first preseason game further cements his status as a likely starter on this football team.

Chances are, we will see Bain suit up for the Buccaneers this preseason. Just not yet.

This decision represents a logical big-picture approach to managing the explosive rookie's workload in his first offseason while ultimately limiting the injury risk he is exposed to. The positive takeaway from this particular decision is that fans can expect Rueben Bain Jr. to play a big role in Bowles' defense right away as a rookie.

If the talent, commitment and work ethic he's shown so far in his first few months as a pro are any indication of the NFL player he will become, then this is the right move.

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