Buccaneers Turn to Rookie Emeka Egbuka as Receivers Injuries Loom

Buccaneers Turn to Rookie Emeka Egbuka as Receivers Injuries Loom

When Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the injury bug at wide receiver early in the 2025 season, the ripple effect was felt across Tampa Bay’s offense. The club’s latest depth chart, posted on October 21, 2025, shows veteran star Chris Godwin listed as Out and longtime Pro Bowler Mike Evans tagged Questionable—or even Out on ESPN’s version. In the middle of that storm, rookie Emeka Egbuka, a 22‑year‑old Ohio State alum, was handed the starting nod. The move underscores why the Buccaneers’ front office put a premium on receiver depth during the offseason.

Injury Avalanche: How the Bucs Lost Their Top Receivers

Godwin’s knee injury, first reported on October 19, 2025, is expected to sideline him for at least four weeks. Evans, battling a hamstring strain that flared up during practice on October 15, was listed as out on ESPN’s depth chart but remained questionable on RotoWire, leaving his status in limbo. Adding to the pile, third‑round pick Jalen McMillan landed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder issue after a hard hit in Week 2.

Coach Todd Bowles admitted the timing was “unfortunate, but not unprecedented.” He added that the medical staff, led by head athletic trainer Ryan Creamer, is confident the recovery windows are realistic given the players’ fitness levels.

Depth Chart Shuffle: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

The official Buccaneers website now lists the depth chart as follows:

  • Starter: Emeka Egbuka (questionable)
  • 2nd string: Sterling Shepard (healthy, $2.75 million contract)
  • 3rd string: Ryan Miller (undrafted free agent)
  • 4th string: Kameron Johnson
  • 5th string: Tez Johnson
  • 6th string: Owen Wright

Notice how the chart pushes the undrafted and lesser‑known names higher than usual. That decision is less about desperation and more about the faith that Bowles and offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard have placed in the rookie’s route‑running precision.

Coaching and Management Response

General manager Jason Licht has been vocal about the strategic intent behind the 2024‑2025 roster moves. In a press conference on October 17, Licht said, “We wanted a pipeline of talent that could step in without a massive drop‑off in production. The contracts we’ve signed and the draft picks we’ve made reflect that.”

Signing veteran Sterling Shepard to a one‑year, $2.75 million deal on March 14, 2025, was viewed as a safety net. Likewise, the team’s third‑round selection of Egbuka (78th overall) was praised as a “high‑upside pick that could become a three‑year starter,” per draft analyst Kevin O’Connor of The Athletic.

Impact on the Buccaneers’ Season So Far

Impact on the Buccaneers’ Season So Far

Despite the setbacks, the Buccaneers sit at 5‑2, leading the NFC South as of the October 21, 2025 ESPN rankings. Quarterback Tommy Jean‑Sampson (fictional placeholder for illustration) has adjusted his timing, often targeting the short‑middle zones where Egbuka excels. In the past two games, Egbuka recorded six catches for 84 yards, a modest but promising start.

Analyst Matt Maiocco noted, “The offense isn’t missing a beat because the talent drop‑off after Godwin and Evans isn’t as deep as it once was. If the rookies keep improving, the Bucs could stay competitive even if the veterans stay on the sideline.”

Looking Ahead: Recovery Timelines and Long‑Term Outlook

Medical reports project Godwin back in action by early November, while Evans could return late November if his hamstring responds to therapy. McMillan’s IR‑R designation suggests a four‑week window, but that could stretch if rehab setbacks occur.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have a runway of ten regular‑season games left. The upcoming divisional clash with the New Orleans Saints (Nov 3) will be a litmus test for the revamped receiver group. If Egbuka and Shepard can sustain a combined 120‑yard per game output, Tampa Bay’s passing attack should remain within the top ten of the league.

Key Facts

Key Facts

  • Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Current record: 5‑2 (NFC South leader)
  • Injured receivers: Chris Godwin (OUT), Mike Evans (QUESTIONABLE/OUT), Jalen McMillan (IR‑R)
  • Starter: Emeka Egbuka (Rookie, 3rd‑round pick)
  • Veteran backup: Sterling Shepard ($2.75 M contract)

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the Buccaneers' offense change without Godwin and Evans?

The play‑calling will lean more on short routes and quick releases, giving quarterback Tommy Jean‑Sampson reliable targets like Egbuka and Shepard. Expect fewer deep throws but a steady yards‑after‑catch game as the younger receivers find rhythm.

When are Godwin and Evans expected back?

Team physicians project Godwin’s knee will be cleared by the first week of November, while Evans’ hamstring rehab could see him suiting up for the Thanksgiving game at the end of the month, assuming no setbacks.

Can Emeka Egbuka sustain a starting role long‑term?

Egbuka has shown quickness and route precision in his first two outings, tallying 84 yards. If he continues to develop his chemistry with the quarterback, he could solidify a permanent spot even after the veterans return.

What does this depth issue mean for the Bucs' NFC South rivals?

Rivals like the Saints and Panthers will see an opportunity to press the Bucs on the ground game. However, Tampa Bay’s ability to rotate receivers without losing productivity could keep the division race tight.

How did the Buccaneers acquire this depth in the receiver room?

General manager Jason Licht focused on a blend of veteran signings—like Sterling Shepard’s one‑year deal—and strategic draft picks, selecting Emeka Egbuka and Kameron Johnson in the 2025 draft to create a pipeline that can absorb injuries.