TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Glennon is getting another opportunity to prove he is Tampa Bay’s quarterback of the future.

With starter Josh McCown unlikely to play this week against Pittsburgh, the second-year backup practiced with the No. 1 offense Wednesday in preparation for the Steelers.

It’s the second straight season Glennon has been thrust into the starting lineup following an 0-3 start, although the circumstances are different this time.

McCown sprained the thumb on his throwing hand during last Thursday’s 56-14 loss at Atlanta. As a rookie a year ago, Glennon came off the bench after Josh Freeman struggled and fell out of favor with former coach Greg Schiano.

“It’s always a huge opportunity when you get to play a game in the NFL,” said Glennon, who started 13 games as a rookie, going 4-9 while completing 59 percent of his passes for 2,608 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

“I didn’t know what to expect then. I know what it’s like to play now,” the 6-foot-6, 225-pound quarterback added of the difference between this time a year ago and now. “I’m a lot more confident, a lot more comfortable.”

As usual, coach Lovie Smith had little to say about injuries and possible lineup changes, including who will lead the offense against Pittsburgh (2-1).

“It’s a good chance it will be Mike Glennon. Josh is improving,” the coach said. “I like to stay with my standard way of doing things, not talking about starting lineups for the opponent. But Mike took the reps today. How’s that?”

Glennon relieved McCown late in the second quarter against the Falcons, completing 17 of 24 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Glennon was disappointed when McCown, a career backup coming off his best pro season in Chicago, was signed and immediately named the starter.