Buccaneers get optimistic update after Reuben Bain Jr. injury scare

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can breathe a sigh of relief after the latest update on a preseason injury to their prized first-round draft pick, Reuben Bain.

Bain, who the Buccaneers took with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, gave the franchise a scare with an early injury. He reportedly suffered an AC sprain, but the latest updates indicate that the issue is "nothing serious," and he is "expected" to be ready to play when Tampa Bay opens the season in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals .

Bain has reportedly wowed both coaches and local reporters covering the Buccaneers this offseason, making a strong impression with both his work ethic and intensity. He is expected to play a critical role on the team's defense.

Bain has reportedly wowed both coaches and local reporters covering the Buccaneers this offseason, making a strong impression with his work ethic and intensity. He is expected to play a critical role on the team's defense this year. He will add a much-needed boost to the Buccaneers' defensive front, which ranked last in QB pressure rate last season.

During his third and final season with the Miami (FL) Hurricanes last year, he helped anchor a defense that led the team to a College Football Playoff runner-up finish. He recorded 54 tackles (15.5 TFL) and 9.5 sacks while starting all 16 games for Miami (FL). He won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Ted Hendricks Award (given annually to the top defensive end in college football) for his efforts.