The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' presumed QB2, Jake Browning, was injured in the Bucs' first joint practice on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, as the team prepares for Friday's matchup with the New York Jets.
Subsequently, the Bucs participated in their first joint practice with the Jets, getting their first taste of full-contact scrimmage.
Unfortunately, Jake Browning, the backup quarterback listed behind Baker Mayfield on Tuesday's depth chart, suffered an injury.
Tampa Bay Times Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud wrote that it appears to be a back injury, as Browning limped off to the sideline and did not return to practice.
Prior to this ailment, Browning was expected to start on Friday, but now it seems Connor Bazelak and Jalon Daniels will likely split time.
For Browning, we'll hope the injury is minor in the long run, as he has become one of the more reliable backup arms in the NFL.
Browning saw major action in two his three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, with 2023 being his most impressive.
The Washington product filled in during Joe Burrow's injury absences, throwing for 1,936 yards and 12 touchdowns. Browning led the Bengals to a 4-5 record over his nine-game stint, throwing for over 300 yards three times.
Browning's best game as a pro came in 2024 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He threw for 354 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 32-of-37 pass attempts which showed tremendous accuracy.
He also flashed his athletic ability, scampering for an additional 22 yards and a touchdown.
This game sparked a three-game winning streak for the Bengals, where Browning threw for 953 yards and accounted for seven total scores.
After joining Tampa on a one-year deal, Browning talked about his excitement to play alongside Mayfield.
" [I've] always been a fan of Baker Mayfield from afar. Don't know him well, but you know, he's always kind of somebody who I watched most of his throws and most of his plays," Browning said. "I think it's somewhat similar. You know, neither one of us are huge guys with a a huge arm, but able to process quickly and stuff like that."
If Browning is unable to go Friday, he should still be in line to be the backup when he gets healthy.
But, this does open the door for Daniels, who has been turning heads recently at training camp, to impress on his biggest stage yet.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson recently talked about his undrafted free agent rookie QB, saying that Daniels has one of the best arms he has been around.
Robinson also praised the Kansas product for his ability to extend plays and use his legs.
Against New York, Daniels has a prime opportunity to make his case to move up the depth chart going forward.
