TAMPA, Fla. — While the Bucs’ preseason opener against the Bengals remains set for Saturday, the heavy showers stemming from Tropical Depression Fred could force an earlier kickoff time.
“If anything, (kickoff) would just be moved up,” coach Bruce Arians said following Thursday morning’s practice. “But no word as of right now. ... It won’t change days.”
Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium currently is set for 7:30 p.m., though the Bucs and NFL continue to monitor the system.
The mountains of Hispaniola and dry air severely hindered the storm Wednesday evening, ultimately weakening it to a tropical depression. But the National Hurricane Center still predicts Fred could bring heavy rains and gusty winds to Tampa Bay this weekend, with the heaviest winds and rains starting Sunday morning.
An earlier kickoff Saturday would allow the Bengals ample time to fly out of the area before heavy showers arrive.
Arians earlier this week said he planned to play everyone against the Bengals but backpedaled slightly Thursday when asked if the weather would change his plans for the contest.
“Not the rain, it would be the field conditions,” he said. “That would be the only thing. Go out and check, and hopefully while they’re playing it’s still okay. So yeah, it could change.”
