Baker Mayfield discussed Kenny Gainwell’s versatility, Ted Hurst III’s development and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive objectives Tuesday after practice. Tampa Bay will host the Kansas City Chiefs in Preseason Week Two on Aug. 22 at Raymond James Stadium. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the Buccaneers’ starters will play.
Mayfield is expected to take snaps against Kansas City after not playing during the 2025 preseason. His playing time will depend on how smoothly the first drive goes. Mayfield said the first-team offense must communicate, avoid mental errors and finish drives with points.
Mayfield highlights Gainwell’s versatility
Gainwell joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent in March 2026 after playing college football at Memphis. He originally committed to Memphis as a receiver, played his first four games at running back and became the program’s leading rusher in 2019. Gainwell tied for third nationally that season with 23 plays of 20 or more yards.
Gainwell has displayed route-running, pass-catching, vision and change-of-direction skills during Tampa Bay’s training camp. He also had a 40-yard gain after making a lateral cut during a joint practice against the New York Jets. Mayfield said Gainwell can provide a spark while giving Bucky Irving a spell, with Tuck and Josh Williams also part of the discussion.
“He is much more than a gadget guy,” Mayfield said. “I have just been completely overwhelmed with the amount of talent that he has. I did not know until a little later in the spring more towards minicamp that he was a receiver going into college and was a slot receiver at Memphis. That explains why he is so smooth running routes. Then, just him in the run game, he stays true to his tracks and reads his blocks really well. I thought he has been a huge addition for us and is a spark to give Bucky a spell and obviously still have Tuck in there. Josh Williams has had a great camp as well but KG is another guy that adds a veteran presence, a leader and a guy that leads by example and continues to help set the tone for us.”
Hurst developing at the X receiver position
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is being used as a downfield threat at the X receiver position and is listed at 6 feet, 4 inches. Mayfield said Hurst is learning quickly and using his size and speed more confidently.
Mayfield also pointed to Hurst’s ability to high-point the ball and make contested catches in one-on-one matchups. Those skills can make Hurst a safety blanket on 50-50 balls. Mayfield said he is confident in Hurst’s development.
“Ted is growing quickly,” Mayfield said. “He is picking things up and is really fast and so that is good for us. It is allowing him to play fast and not think and just use his size and speed and you guys have seen it, he is high-pointing the ball and is really taking advantage of his one-on-one matchups and just contested catches and things like that that when you are a bigger receiver at 6’4, you want to be a safety blanket for those 50/50 balls and so I am really confident in where Ted is at.”
Mayfield seeks efficient first-team drives
Mayfield said the first-team offense must produce efficient plays and drives against Kansas City. He emphasized proper alignment, communication and avoiding pre-snap penalties. He also said the group must eliminate mental errors and score points.
“Just efficient plays,” Mayfield said. “Get in there, efficient drives, no negatives. What you are looking for in the preseason is everybody getting lined up and communicating properly and no pre-snap penalties. You know, things in the game, you are going to have penalties and you want to avoid them obviously, but no pre-snap penalties and being on the same page. No ME’s (mental errors) from the one’s and just getting a good few drives whatever that may look like – I have no idea – but definitely getting points.”
Kansas City is making its first preseason visit to Tampa since 2010, according to the source. The teams have met six times in the preseason, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning five of those meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 at Raymond James Stadium.
Source: Original report