Bucs QB Kyle Trask connected with rookie WR Tez Johnson on a 1-yard touchdown late in the first half, pulling Tampa Bay within four. Johnson celebrated with a backflip after the score. At halftime, the Bucs trailed the Bills 14-10.
Buffalo extended its lead in the third quarter behind QB Shane Buechele, who threw for 278 yards and a touchdown in his first full NFL game. Tampa Bay’s rookie QB Connor Bazelak answered in the fourth, finding WR Garrett Greene for a 1-yard touchdown that made it 23-19 with under two minutes left. The comeback fell just short as the Bills held on.
Trask went 13-of-17 for 93 yards and a touchdown as he continues to battle Teddy Bridgewater for the backup role behind Baker Mayfield. Johnson’s score and special teams contributions helped his case to make the roster.
The Buccaneers fall 23-19 in their preseason finale against Buffalo.
Tampa Bay now prepares for the regular season opener on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 7. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET. You can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM - The Mighty 98 Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES