The Cincinnati Bengals are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Saturday, August 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET to start their preseason sprint.
Unless Mother Nature gets in the way.
Tropical Storm Fred is anticipated to hit the Tampa Bay area on Saturday, which could cause the game to get moved. According to Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, via Greg Auman of The Athletic, kickoff could get moved to earlier in the day.
It’s merely an exhibition — and not even the most important one (that’s the third and final preseason game). But any change to the kickoff schedule could alter how the Bengals choose to wrap up their week of practice and when they actually travel.
A notable update explains why the NFL would move the kickoff:
#Fred first advisory continues theme of tropical storm near or over #Florida this weekend. Fortunately, land interactions, some dry air and shear, will limit intensification in short term. Some strengthening possible as it moves away from Cuba. Big rainmaker for some of state. pic.twitter.com/ukfOYIs5UW
— Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) August 11, 2021
