Buccaneers News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will undergo additional testing on Tuesday to determine the severity of a hamstring injury sustained during Sunday’s 30-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie first-round pick is expected to miss time and appears unlikely to suit up for Monday night’s contest against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Egbuka left Sunday’s game at halftime and did not return after pulling up during a route in the second quarter. The 22-year-old had recorded two catches for 24 yards before departing Raymond James Stadium. Medical staff examined him on the sideline before ruling him out for the remainder of the game.
The injury occurred at an already depleted position for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers entered Week 6 without veteran receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who were ruled inactive with hamstring and fibula injuries respectively. Egbuka had assumed the number one receiver role in their absence and was targeted heavily by quarterback Baker Mayfield in the team’s first five games.
Head coach Todd Bowles indicated testing would provide a clearer timeline for Egbuka’s return. The Buccaneers designated the injury as doubtful to return during the game, then confirmed he would not play in the second half. Team officials have not provided a specific timetable beyond stating that the injury requires further evaluation.
With Egbuka sidelined in the second half on Sunday, the Buccaneers turned to Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and Ryan Miller to fill out the receiving corps. Shepard and Tez Johnson each caught their first touchdown passes of the season in the victory. Mayfield completed 17 of 23 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns despite the limited options at wide receiver.
The Ohio State product has been among the league’s most productive rookies through six weeks. Egbuka entered Sunday with 25 receptions for 445 yards and five touchdowns through five games. His 27 catches and 469 yards through six weeks lead all Tampa Bay receivers. He had recorded at least one touchdown catch in four of his first five NFL games.
The Buccaneers face the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in Week 7. Tampa Bay improved to 5-1 with Sunday’s win and holds the best record in the NFC. The Lions entered their Week 6 matchup at 4-1 before facing Kansas City on Sunday night. Detroit’s offense ranks among the league’s most productive units this season.
Tampa Bay’s coaching staff has emphasized developing young receivers throughout the season. The team kept seven wide receivers on its initial 53-man roster in anticipation of injuries at the position. Johnson, a seventh-round pick, and Shepard, a veteran signee, have both seen increased playing time in recent weeks.
The timetable for Evans and Godwin remains unclear. Evans has missed three games with his hamstring injury while Godwin was ruled out for Week 6 with the fibula issue. Team officials have described both injuries as week-to-week situations.
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