Tom Brady will start Bucs’ preseason finale vs. Colts

Tom Brady will start the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ final preseason game against the host Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, coach Todd Bowles said Thursday.

“Everyone that’s healthy will play,” Bowles said.

Brady is healthy after returning to the team earlier this week following an 11-day absence due to personal reasons. The three-time NFL MVP and 15-time Pro Bowl selection likely won’t play long for the Bucs, who are adjusting to numerous moving parts due to injuries during this preseason.

“It’s important for game continuity,” Bowles said. “We have some new guys on the O-line. We have some new guys at receiver. Other than having practice together, we need to see them in a game and certain situations and just to flow of it no matter how long it is. We just need to see.”

Per Bowles, rookie Luke Goedeke will start at left guard Saturday. The second-round pick is competing for a starting role after guard Aaron Stinnie sustained a season-ending knee injury.

The Buccaneers also signed veteran linebacker Genard Avery and waived wide receiver Cyril Grayson and offensive lineman Jonathan Hubbard, both with injury designations.

Avery, 27, has recorded 101 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 53 career games (17 starts) with the Cleveland Browns (2018-19) and Philadelphia Eagles (2020-21).