Todd Bowles Explains Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Absence From Practice

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen strong attendance during OTAs, but veteran edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad has not yet taken the practice field.

Muhammad, who signed a one-year, $6 million contract in March, has been present throughout OTAs and remains involved with the team.

“He’s been great in the classroom, he works out, he’s in the weight room, and everything else, he’s doing very good there,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Thursday. “So just to get him back out on the field will be a bonus. We just have to be careful next week with giving him too many reps.”

Bowles confirmed Muhammad is not dealing with an injury. He later explained that Muhammad has simply exercised the voluntary nature of the offseason program.

“It’s voluntary,” Bowles later added but stated he expects to see Muhammad on the field for next week’s mandatory minicamp.

Buccaneers Value Muhammad’s Versatility

The Buccaneers believe Muhammad can provide flexibility along the defensive front.

“He’s a pro, he’s serious, (and) you can line him up all over the place,” Bucs run game coordinator/outside linebackers coach Larry Foote stated. “That’s the flexibility that he brings. I was surprised that we got him, because you can line him up all over the place, and he plays with that mindset and attitude that you look for. He’s mean, he’s nasty, and he’s been doing it for a long time.”

Foote pointed to Muhammad’s ability to play multiple positions and the mentality he brings to the defense.

Mandatory Minicamp Up Next

Bowles expects Muhammad to join his teammates on the practice field during mandatory minicamp next week.

His return would mark the next step in his integration with the Buccaneers as preparations for the 2026 season continue.

Al-Quadin Muhammad’s 2025 Stats

• Sacks: 11.0
• Tackles for loss: 9
• QB hits: 20