The Tampa Bay Bucs forfeited a Wednesday OTA practice after the NFL flagged the squad for excessive contact, chief coach Todd Bowles said Thursday. The team had been set to run a full session after a Tuesday break, but league officials warned that “too many guys on the ground” violated the no‑contact rule.

The collective bargaining agreement bars any contact during OTA sessions, and coaches face personal liability for violations. Bowles said the Bucs cleaned up the playbook after the warning and returned Thursday with a strict no‑contact stance. The league noted that while other teams—like the Lions and Bears—have lost sessions before, no fine was levied this time.

By losing a practice, the Bucs miss a chance to refine defensive schemes ahead of a tight preseason schedule. The incident underscores the league’s strict enforcement of the no‑contact policy, reminding teams that even a few misplayed drills can cost a session. With the season looming, the Bucs must prioritize safety while maintaining competitive momentum.

Bowles’ comment about the Bucs’ learning curve—highlighting new players’ adjustment to a strict no‑ground mentality—reflects broader coaching challenges. As the NFL moves toward tighter safety protocols, teams that mishandle OTA sessions risk losing valuable practice time, which can ripple into regular‑season performance and fan expectations.