Transcript: Buccaneers Head Coach Press Conference














What is the status of Nic Scourton and when is he set to return?

Nic Scourton has been out for the last five weeks with a broken thumb, and while he’s been eager to get back on the field, our medical staff has been cautious. They’ve been adamant about letting the injury fully heal to avoid any potential long-term damage. As frustrating as it’s been for Nic, we’ve had to be smart about it. He’s set to return after the bye week, so we’ve got one more game without him, but we’re excited to have him back in the lineup soon.

Nic is one of the best young defensive linemen in the league, and his impact on the field is undeniable. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and play the run so effectively makes him a key piece of our defense. We’ve missed him, but we’ve managed to keep things moving with our depth. That being said, having him back after the bye will be a huge boost for us, and we can’t wait to get him back on the field where he belongs. He’s a big-time player for us, and once he’s back, we’re going to be even stronger on defense.



What makes Bijan Robinson so good?

Bijan Robinson is a special talent, and what makes him so good goes beyond just his physical traits – though those are certainly impressive. First and foremost, he has a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. His vision and ability to make quick, decisive cuts allow him to find holes in the defense that most backs would miss. What really sets him apart is his ability to change direction without losing speed. He’s a home-run hitter every time he touches the ball, but he’s also a grinder who can pick up the tough yards when needed. His ability to make defenders miss in space is second to none, and his balance allows him to shed tackles and keep pushing forward for extra yardage.

But it’s not just his running ability that makes him a complete back. Bijan is also a weapon in the passing game, which makes him a nightmare for defenses. He runs routes like a receiver and has the hands to make plays downfield. He doesn’t just catch dump-offs – he can run intermediate and even deep routes, which forces defenses to account for him all over the field. This versatility gives his offense an added dimension, as he can take on multiple roles and be productive in different ways.

Another key factor is his pass protection. Bijan is not just a runner or a receiver; he’s also a solid blocker. As a running back, being able to step up in pass protection is often an underrated skill, but Bijan excels at it. His ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback allows the offense to stay balanced and gives his team the confidence to call plays knowing he’s got the backfield covered.

Beyond his physical skills, Bijan’s mentality is what truly elevates him to an elite level. He’s constantly looking for ways to improve, whether that’s refining his technique or studying opposing defenses. His work ethic is what has made him such a dynamic player early in his career. He approaches the game with a combination of patience and aggression – he waits for plays to develop but then hits the hole with explosive force. When you combine all these factors – his physical traits, versatility, pass protection, and mentality – it’s clear why Bijan Robinson is one of the best running backs in the game.

The trade deadline is this week. Should we expect any major moves for the team?

We always evaluate how we can improve our team, and that’s something we’re committed to doing at every stage of the season. As we approach the trade deadline, I don’t anticipate a major move, but we’re constantly keeping communication open with other organizations in the league. That’s part of being proactive – you never know when an opportunity might present itself. A lot of teams are in the same position, evaluating where they are and what they need, and while we’ve built a strong foundation, things can shift quickly in the league. So, while we don’t expect anything drastic, we’re always listening, always having those conversations.

That said, we truly believe in the group of players we have in the locker room right now. We love this team, and we’re confident that we can win with the guys we’ve got. The chemistry is strong, the belief is strong, and the work ethic is there. But as much as this is a team game and we have faith in our players, we also have to recognize that it’s still a business. If there’s a move out there that improves the team, we wouldn’t hesitate to explore it. We’ve always said that we’re not afraid to make the right decision, even if it means making a change. The goal is always to put ourselves in the best position to win, and if an opportunity presents itself that can elevate us, we’ll consider it.

Ultimately, we trust the players in this locker room. We believe in the talent, leadership, and depth we’ve built, and we’re going to fight with everything we’ve got to continue to be competitive. The focus is always on executing and improving, regardless of whether a trade happens. But we’re also aware of the business side of things, and we’ll always look for ways to improve if the right opportunity comes our way. Regardless, the commitment to the team and our vision is what drives us forward, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve with the group we have.