Bucs First Preseason Game Tonight & Mailbag Questions on Vita Vea, Bucs Weaknesses & Rays Playoff Chances

Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick preview the Buccaneers' preseason opener against the Jets at MetLife Stadium, breaking down who's likely to play and who's held out. Expect several key veterans to sit (Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, and Tristan Wirfs among them), while rookies and young players trying to make a mark get extended run — first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr., backup QB Jalon Daniels, undrafted corner Ayden Garnes, edge rusher David Walker returning from a torn ACL, and running back Josh Williams. Rick shares what it meant to Garnes and Daniels to finally take the field in the NFL.

Then it's mailbag time. Rick and Steve field listener questions on how long teammates will stay patient with Vita Vea's contract holdout, the Bucs' biggest weakness heading into the season (hint: it's cornerback depth), Rick's most memorable preseason game after decades on the beat (a trip to Tokyo for the 2002 American Bowl), whether the Rays are a lock to win the AL East, whether a title run helps secure stadium funding, and which Tampa Bay team — Bucs, Bolts, or Rays — is most likely to bring home the next championship.

Plus a look ahead: the Rays return home from a 9-0 road trip to host the Orioles in a four-game series this weekend.

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