TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield got in the middle of a scuffle and injured All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs went onto the field on a crutch to join his teammates.

Welcome to joint practices.

Players get an opportunity to hit opposing teams, which sometimes can lead to fighting. This was a minor tussle between the Buccaneers and Titans on Thursday.

What You Need To Know

KICKOFF: Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Bucs, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

The four-time defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lofty goals entering the franchise’s 50th season

Tampa Bay practiced against Tennessee two days ahead of the exhibition opener on Saturday night

“Everybody’s in the skirmish,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. “Nobody wants to throw a punch. It’s not necessary. We’re not trying to do that right there. They’re not trying to do it as well. If it’s hot and you got pads on, it’s going to happen.”

Tampa Bay practiced against Tennessee two days ahead of the exhibition opener on Saturday night. Both teams begin their pre-seasons with Saturday night’s 7:30 kickoff at Raymond James Stadium.

The four-time defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lofty goals entering the franchise’s 50th season.

They want to celebrate their golden year with their third Vince Lombardi trophy. Every team hopes to win the Super Bowl, of course, but it’s more realistic for some than others.

Mayfield last season became just the fourth player in NFL history to have 4,000 yards passing, 40 touchdowns and a completion percentage over 70.

Wide receiver Mike Evans flashed midseason form when training camp kicked off with a morning practice. And Antoine Winfield Jr. and the defense appear primed for more big plays as a unit that’s looking for more takeaways.

“It’s just good to see him healthy,” coach Todd Bowles said of Winfield, an All-Pro in 2023 who missed eight games last year. “I’m not going to put too much into the first day — we’re in shorts and T-shirts getting acclimated. He made some plays in shorts and a T-shirt that I know he can make in pads. I was just happy to see him moving around.”

The Buccaneers finished 10-8 last season, including a 23-20 home loss to Washington in the playoffs.

General manager Jason Licht upgraded the offense in the offseason by re-signing wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is still recovering from a severe ankle injury, and drafting Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka 19th overall. He bolstered the defense by signing veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick and drafting cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison (second round) and Jacob Parrish (third round).

Tampa opened camp with All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs sidelined after having knee surgery earlier this month.

Bowles is optimistic about Wirfs and injured receiver Chris Godwin returning sooner than later.