BengalsBuccaneers depth chart 2026: Week 1 starters and backups
On the Buccaneers’ official Week 1 depth chart, released September 9, 2026 ahead of the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baker Mayfield is QB1 and Bucky Irving is RB1, with Kenny Gainwell listed second at running back and Sean Tucker third. Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are the three starting wide receivers, and Cade Otton is TE1. On defense, outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. and inside linebacker Josiah Trotter are the two rookie starters, the first rookies to start on defense for Tampa Bay since Calijah Kancey in 2023.
Offense
Defense
Special teams
| Pos | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | Riley Dixon | |||
| PK | Chase McLaughlin | |||
| KO | Chase McLaughlin | |||
| H | Riley Dixon | |||
| LS | Evan Deckers | |||
| PR | Kameron Johnson | Tez Johnson | ||
| KR | Sean Tucker | Kenny Gainwell | Kameron Johnson |
Depth chart questions
Is Kenny Gainwell RB1 for the Buccaneers?
No. On the Week 1 depth chart released September 9, 2026, Bucky Irving is RB1. Kenny Gainwell is listed second on the depth chart, with Sean Tucker third.
Who is the Buccaneers' starting quarterback in 2026?
Baker Mayfield is the starting quarterback on the Week 1 2026 depth chart, released September 9, 2026 ahead of the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Who is the Bucs' backup quarterback?
Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie, is listed as Baker Mayfield's backup on the Week 1 2026 depth chart.
Which rookies start for the Buccaneers?
Outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. and inside linebacker Josiah Trotter are the two rookie starters on defense on the Week 1 2026 depth chart, the first rookies to start on defense for Tampa Bay since defensive lineman Calijah Kancey in 2023.
Who is the Buccaneers' TE1 in 2026?
Cade Otton is TE1 on the Week 1 2026 depth chart, ahead of Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and rookie Bauer Sharp.
Who returns kicks and punts for the Bucs?
Kameron Johnson and Tez Johnson share punt return duties on the Week 1 2026 depth chart. Sean Tucker is listed first at kick returner, ahead of Kenny Gainwell and Kameron Johnson.
Source: official Week 1 depth chart, Buccaneers.com, September 9, 2026.
See the full 2026 roster and the 2026 schedule. More on the backfield in the Week 1 backfield breakdown and the quarterback room in the 2026 quarterback position piece.