A tropical storm has forced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to move Thursday night’s scheduled preseason game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., up to Wednesday.
The preseason finale for the two teams was originally scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday, but severe weather from Tropical Depression Nine is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area.
The exhibition will now begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
“It has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday,” Buccaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said in a statement.
“This decision was made by both teams in conjunction with the National Football League and local authorities in an effort to ensure the safety of our fans, players and stadium staff.”
Tampa Bay is 2-1 in the preseason after last Friday’s 30-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Washington is also 2-0 after a 21-16 win over the Buffalo Bills on Friday.
“We support the decision made by the Buccaneers and the NFL,” Redskins president Bruce Allen said in a separate statement. “We look forward to our game on Wednesday.”
