MONICA HERNDON | Times
In one of the more closely contested battles of the Bucs' preseason, veteran Robert McClain will open the season as the starting nickel defensive back, coach Dirk Koetter said Friday night on his weekly radio show.
McClain, who played for the Falcons when Koetter and defensive coordinator Mike Smith were in Atlanta, beat out second-year pro Javien Elliott, who finished last season as the nickel after Jude Adjei-Barimah's four-game suspension. McClain, 29, started six games with the Panthers last season and brings more experience to the position.
"We had a big battle at our nickel corner, and Robert McClain is going to get the start for us," Koetter said on his show.