Bucs Gameday

Multiple Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starters Not Present During OTAs

There were a few starters absent from the first day of OTAs on Tuesday.

River Wells

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Organized Team Activities take place before mandatory minicamp, and they're a great way for teams to get back in shape and get ready for the upcoming season before the long road of training camp. Despite that, though, they are optional, and like every team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had some missing players.

READ MORE: HC Todd Bowles On What He Wants to See From Buccaneers During OTAs

There were plenty of team stars to show up, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, wideout Chris Godwin and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., among others. That being said, there were a few players missing from the action:

  • WR Mike Evans
  • LT Tristan Wirfs
  • LB Lavonte David (present, but not participating)
  • DT Vita Vea
  • DT William Gholston
  • OLB Randy Gregory

Tristan Wirfs' absence was already reported on notably after a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealing that he planned to sit out of OTAs due to a lack of new deal. The absences also make sense for the rest of these players — they're all veterans who have had their share of OTAs and likely don't need them before rookie minicamp hits. Perhaps the only interesting one is Gregory, who just joined Tampa Bay in the offseason and has never played in a Todd Bowles defense.

READ MORE: HC Todd Bowles Comments on Jordan Whitehead and Buccaneers Secondary

On top of that, three players were injured and unable to participate: Tight end Ko Kieft and rookie minicamp players in QB Zack Annexstead and wideout Tanner Knue.

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River Wells
RIVER WELLS

River Wells is a sports journalist from St. Petersburg, Florida, who has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2023. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2021. You can follow him on Twitter @riverhwells.