Buccaneers Lose Bittersweet Preseason Finale to Bills, Roster Cuts Loom

When Tez Johnson, wide receiver for Tampa Bay Buccaneers called the final training‑camp weeks bittersweet, the sentiment summed up a 23‑19 loss to the Buffalo Bills on August 21, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium. The game marked the end of Preseason Week 3 in the 2025 NFL season, and it turned out to be the last chance for several hopefuls to prove they belong on the 53‑man roster.

Buccaneers fans had already watched their team fall to 0‑3 in the preseason, a streak that put the entire roster under a microscope. With the mandatory cut‑down deadline looming the following week, the loss to Buffalo sharpened the focus on who would survive the churn and who would be sent packing.

Game recap and key plays

Despite the defeat, the Buccaneers displayed flashes of promise. Starting quarterback Kyle Trask, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers orchestrated a 45‑yard touchdown pass to Johnson midway through the second quarter, giving the home side a brief lead. The connection, highlighted in a short clip titled “HIGHLIGHT: Kyle Trask Touchdown Pass to Tez Johnson vs. Bills,” showcased Johnson’s speed and Trask’s accuracy.

Buffalo’s defense, however, adjusted quickly. A late fourth‑quarter field goal by the Bills’ kicker sealed the 23‑19 win, leaving the Buccaneers with a three‑point deficit that felt both tangible and avoidable.

Postgame press conferences

After the final whistle, the team gathered for a series of media sessions that were streamed on the Buccaneers’ official YouTube channel on August 24. The first five minutes featured Johnson, who reflected on the grind of camp: “It’s nothing like it, you know… it’s bittersweet because the coach tells us only 53 can make it, and that’s just the business we’re in.”

Quarterback Kyle Trask took the mic next, emphasizing the need for consistency: “We’ve got to execute in every snap, and the guys out there—especially the younger ones—need to show they can handle the pressure.” He also addressed the upcoming roster decisions, hinting that the competition at receiver and quarterback spots would be “intense.”

Defensive lineman Elijah Roberts kept his remarks brief, noting the “hard‑hitting” nature of preseason and how the defensive unit plans to bounce back for week‑one of the regular season.

Although not featured in the trimmed video, head coach Todd Bowles and assistant general manager Rob McCartney also answered questions, underscoring that the final cuts would be “data‑driven” and that they expect “some tough conversations” with players on the bubble.

Roster cut deadline and its impact

The NFL’s roster limit of 53 players forces teams to make hard choices after the preseason. For the Buccaneers, the loss to Buffalo meant evaluating a quarterback room that now includes Trask, backup veteran veterans, and a handful of undrafted free agents. Johnson’s “bittersweet” comment hinted at the emotional toll—teammates become friends, and the prospect of parting ways feels like losing a brother.

Analysts predict that Johnson, who finished the preseason with three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown, will likely make the cut if he can contribute on special teams. The same logic applies to Roberts, who posted a sack and several pressures in three games.

Bowles’ press remarks suggested that the team could consider adding a veteran receiver via free agency if the younger group doesn’t fill the depth chart. Meanwhile, McCartney said the front office is scouting “high‑upside practice‑squad talent” from other clubs.

Looking ahead: Regular season preview

Week 1 finds the Buccaneers traveling to face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Early reports indicate that Trask will retain the starting role, with a revamped receiving corps that could include Johnson, rookie wideout Jalen Carter, and veteran Mike Evans if the latter avoids injury.

Interestingly, the same Tez Johnson who lamented the roster crunch later caught a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions—proof that the player’s skill set can translate once the regular season gets underway.

Historical context: The role of preseason in the NFL

Preseason games have long served as a proving ground for marginal players. Since the NFL reduced the preseason schedule to three games in 2021, each contest has become even more consequential. Teams now rely heavily on film study, analytics, and practice‑session performance to make final roster decisions.

The Buccaneers’ 0‑3 record this year mirrors the 2019 squad, which also trimmed the roster early and eventually finished the regular season with a 7‑10 record. Whether the current cut‑down will spark a turnaround remains to be seen.

• Game date: August 21, 2025
• Final score: Buffalo Bills 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19
• Key players: Kyle Trask (QB), Tez Johnson (WR), Elijah Roberts (DL)
• Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• Roster deadline: August 28, 2025 (53‑man limit)