Sep 22, 2026 5:34 AM

Todd Bowles believes a preseason injury suffered by his star rookie may be a reason behind Rueben Bain Jr.'s early-season struggles.

Through two games, there isn't much about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that hasn't been disappointing.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has committed four turnovers in two games. He lost three fumbles in the season opener and then threw an interception in the Bucs' shocking home loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

As an added gut punch, Mayfield also got completely outplayed by Browns QB Deshaun Watson, who replaced him in Cleveland.

Tampa's offensive line has played well below expectations so far. Anchored by star left tackle Tristan Wirfs, the Bucs' o-line was thought to be one of, if not the, best in the NFL. In two games, the line has given up seven sacks, a number that could be even higher were it not for Mayfield's ability to escape pressure.

The pass rush, which the team made such an effort to improve this offseason, has been ineffective. Through two games, Tampa has recorded only three sacks. One by rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter. One by David Walker, and one by defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who cleaned up a perfectly timed blitz by rookie corner Keionte Scott, who was originally credited with the sack.

None of the team's sacks have come from star rookie Rueben Bain Jr., who was expected to dominate immediately after looking spectacular all offseason. 

Bain has been invisible so far, registering only one tackle in his first two career games. Worse, the youngster hasn't generated much pressure. Depending on where you look, Bain is credited with only 0-2 pressures over 76 total snaps.

Concerns over Bain's short arm length, which caused him to fall into Tampa's lap with the 15th pick, have resurfaced. This has not been the start most expected from the Miami product, who became the most hyped and anticipated Bucs rookie in a long time.

Head coach Todd Bowles believes Bain is playing hurt, and that may be a reason for his lack of production.

Doesn't Think Bain Is "Completely Healthy"

Bain suffered an injury during a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 26. It was reported as an AC joint sprain, but it was considered to be "nothing serious."

Almost a month later, Bowles, speaking to the media, believes that it still may be affecting Bain's performance, even though the rookie denies it.

"He says it's not. I mean, I don't think he's completely healthy, but at the same time, he's good enough to play, so we've got to get more production there."

If Bain is still dealing with the injury, it could be a major factor in his lack of production. However, as Bowles says, if he is healthy enough to be out there, the team needs more from him.

Final Thoughts

It has been almost a month since Bain initially suffered the AC joint sprain. For an injury originally thought to be very minor, the thought of it still bothering him now is a bit concerning.

However, if it is the reason for Bain's early-career struggles, that should provide a sense of relief. The amount of praise Bain received for months is only going to increase the amount of criticism he receives now.

Hopefully, Bain's injury, if it is still an issue, heals quickly and we can finally see what he can do playing at 100%.

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