The message at Tampa Bay Buccaneer headquarters is loud and clear. Now is the time to start preparing for next season.

After suffering their 7th straight loss, a humiliating 41-14 thumping by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bucs (4-9) can now start allowing their starters to heal for next season, and give playing time to second and third string players.

The Bucs front office will also decide whether they will retain head coach Raheem Morris, in spite of glowing support from the players that he stay on.

This Saturday, the Bucs will face off against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. The Cowboys are coming off a heartbreaking loss to their division rivals, the New York Giants. The Cowboys now are tied for the lead in the NFC East division.

Depending on what sports show you watch or listen to, Josh Freeman needs to be benched for the rest of the season to allow his ailing shoulder to heal, along with other players nursing nagging injuries.

Kickoff Saturday will be at 8:20 p. m.

The final two games for the Bucs are against the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, both road games.