The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released their Week 8 depth chart, showcasing key details about player positions and notable performances. This chart serves as a resource for media coverage and highlights changes from previous games.
Bucs Offensive Lineup Insights
On the offensive side, the depth chart reveals the following starting players:
- Wide Receivers: Mike Evans, Ryan Miller, Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson
- Tight Ends: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp
- Quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater
- Running Backs: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Josh Williams*
Cade Otton’s Iron Man Role
Cade Otton has cemented his status as a key player for the Buccaneers. He played 67 of the 69 offensive snaps in the recent game against the Lions, illustrating his durability and importance to the team. Otton recorded a team-leading seven catches for 65 yards.
The Buccaneers frequently utilized two-tight-end sets, with Payne Durham also contributing 24 snaps, although he did not receive any targets in the passing game. Despite returning stars like Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson made a significant impact by playing 47 snaps (68% of the total) and scoring a touchdown with four catches for 58 yards. This performance highlighted his emerging role within the Buccaneers’ offense.
Defensive Depth Overview
The Buccaneers’ defensive lineup is structured as follows:
- Defensive Line: Greg Gaines, Elijah Roberts*, Vita Vea, Logan Hall, C.J. Brewer
- Outside Linebackers: Yaya Diaby, Chris Braswell, Markees Watts
- Inside Linebackers: SirVocea Dennis, John Bullock*, Lavonte David, Deion Jones
- Cornerbacks: Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morris*, Kindle Vildor, Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish*, Josh Hayes
- Safeties: Antoine Winfield Jr., Christian Izien, Sebastian Castro, Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather
This current depth chart reflects strategic adjustments made by the coaching staff amid player injuries and performance trends. The depth chart will continue to evolve as the season progresses, providing valuable insights into team dynamics.
