Emeka Egbuka Injury News & Updates

Egbuka brought in five of nine targets for 40 yards in the Buccaneers' 44-32 loss to the Bills on Sunday.

Egbuka finished with team-high reception and target totals while finishing second in receiving yards. The rookie was the subject of heavy attention from the Bills' defense in the ongoing absences of Mike Evans (IR, collarbone/concussion), Chris Godwin (fibula) and Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), helping lead to his second sub-50-yard tally in the last three games. Egbuka will remain in an elevated role in a Week 12 road showdown against the Rams next Sunday night.

Egbuka brought in six of 13 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 28-23 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.

Egbuka reemerged as a force in the air attack after a quiet three-game stretch where he topped out at four catches and 58 receiving yards in terms of single-game highs. The rookie first-round pick led the Bucs in both receiving yards and targets while checking in second in receptions to Cade Otton. The ongoing absences of Chris Godwin (fibula) and Mike Evans (IR, collarbone/concussion) continues to afford the Ohio State product the chance to serve as Baker Mayfield's top wide-receiver target, and even if Godwin manages to return for next Sunday's Week 11 matchup against the Bills, Egbuka figures to retain a sizeable role.

Egbuka finished with three receptions on nine targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 23-3 win over New Orleans.

Egbuka did not carry an injury designation in Week 8, but the final results suggest that he is still isn't playing at 100 percent. The talented rookie finished with a catch rate below 50 percent for the second week in a row, the only two times he has fallen below that mark this season. Fortunately for fantasy managers, Egbuka will get an extra week of recovery for his nagging hamstring with Tampa Bay on a bye in Week 9. Look for a refreshed Egbuka to get back on track when the Buccaneers host the Patriots on Nov. 9.

Egbuka (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Egbuka played through the same injury in a 24-9 loss at Detroit on Monday, catching four of 12 targets for 58 yards while leading Tampa's WRs in snap share (76 percent) and route share (81 percent). He could get even more playing time this week, especially after upgrading to full practice participation Friday. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) is expected to miss most/all of the season, with Chris Godwin (fibula) out at least through a Week 9 bye.

Egbuka (hamstring) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Egbuka currently is the Buccaneers' top available wide receiver with Mike Evans (concussion) set to miss most of the rest of the campaign due to a broken collarbone and Chris Godwin (fibula) effectively ruled out for Sunday's game at New Orleans. Having said that, Egbuka continues to deal with the hamstring injury that has inhibited him since getting hurt Week 6 against the 49ers. After sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough, he has made progress with some on-field work one day later, but Friday's practice report will unveil whether or not he enters the weekend with a designation ahead of Week 8 action.

Egbuka missed Wednesday's walkthrough due to a hamstring injury, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Egbuka managed just one limited session last week due to the same health concern before suiting up Monday in Detroit, a contest in which Chris Godwin (fibula) was inactive and Mike Evans (concussion) suffered a collarbone injury that's expected to sideline him for most of the rest of the season. Assuming Egbuka continues to be able to suit up on game days, he'll serve as the top pass catcher for QB Baker Mayfield (knee), but the results have been modest the last two contests (a combined 6-82-0 on 16 targets) after a blistering start to his NFL career (25-445-5 on 38 targets in his first five appearances).

Egbuka (hamstring) brought in four of 12 targets for 58 yards during the Buccaneers' 24-9 loss to the Lions on Monday night.

The rookie was surprisingly able to play through his hamstring strain, and he finished with a team-high target total while tying for second in both receptions and receiving yards. Egbuka also provided a team-high 30-yard catch, and given Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Mike Evans has been diagnosed with a broken collarbone following his first-half exit from Monday's game, the 2025 first-round pick is set to play an elevated role for the rest of the season. Egbuka could be especially busy in Sunday's Week 8 road matchup against the Saints, considering Chris Godwin (fibula) could remain sidelined for that divisional clash.

Egbuka (hamstring) is listed as active Monday at Detroit.

After emerging from a Week 6 win against the 49ers with a strained hamstring, Egbuka managed just one limited practice (Saturday) before being listed as questionable for Monday's contest. On Saturday, coach Todd Bowles called Egbuka a game-time decision for Week 7 action, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, but now that the rookie wide receiver is cleared, he'll be pacing a receiving corps that also features the return of Mike Evans (hamstring) for the first time since Week 3. Both Egbuka and Evans will be priority plays in fantasy against a Lions secondary that is down all four starters.

Egbuka (hamstring) is expected to play Monday night against the Lions, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Bucs put Egbuka through a pregame workout routine, and the rookie wide receiver seemingly has received the green light to play Week 7. With Mike Evans (hamstring) also due back Monday night, Tampa Bay's wideout depth chart gets a major boost after Baker Mayfield willed the team to victory last Sunday without all of his top receivers. Egbuka can be trusted in fantasy lineups in what profiles as a projected shootout at Ford Field.

Egbuka (hamstring) remains listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Lions but has "a real chance to play," sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles officially labeled Egbuka as a game-time decision following Saturday's practice, when the rookie wideout was surprisingly able to take the field for a limited session after sitting out workouts Thursday and Friday on account of the mild hamstring strain he sustained in a Week 6 win over the 49ers. Additionally, Bowles labeled Mike Evans (hamstring) as a game-time decision, though the veteran wideout appears likely to play for the first time since Week 3 after practicing Thursday and Saturday. Before deciding on Egbuka's status for the Week 7 contest, Egbuka will go through a pregame workout Monday. If Egbuka moves around well enough in his workout to gain clearance to play, the Buccaneers could still look to limit his snaps to some extent. That being said, even if Egbuka operates with some restrictions Monday, his presence along with the expected return of Evans would be a welcome development for a Tampa Bay offense that has already ruled out two other key playmakers in recei

Egbuka (hamstring) was a limited participant in Saturday's practice and is considered a game-time decision for Monday's game against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The rookie wideout suffered a hamstring injury against the 49ers in Week 6, which caused him to miss the first two practices of the week. However, Egubka managed to practice in a limited capacity Saturday, which gives him a chance at playing Monday night in Detroit. With two games taking place Monday, fantasy managers won't have as many options to work with if Egbuka ends up not playing. Chris Godwin (lower leg) has been ruled out and Egbuka and Mike Evans (hamstring) are both game-time calls, which leaves Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson as the Tampa Bay wideouts without an injury designation heading into Week 7. Tight end Cade Otton would also be in line for an uptick in targets from Baker Mayfield if one or both of Egbuka and Evans were ruled out.

Egbuka (hamstring) returned to practice Saturday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Egbuka missed the Buccaneers' first two practices of the week due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Week 6 against the 49ers. Although the rookie wideout is considered a longshot to play against the Lions on Monday, his ability to return to practice Saturday is a sign that he is progressing in his recovery. The Buccaneers will announce their injury designations following Saturday's practice, which will shed light on Egbuka's chances of suiting up against Detroit.

Egbuka (hamstring) didn't practice Friday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The Buccaneers haven't ruled Egbuka out for Monday's game at Detroit, but reports suggest he's unlikely to play -- an idea now backed up by consecutive missed practices. Chris Godwin (fibula) also hasn't practiced this week, while Mike Evans managed a limited session Thursday before sitting out Friday. Fantasy managers should prepare to be without Egbuka this week, even if the Bucs leave the door open as long as possible. A Monday game makes things tricky for fantasy managers, with so many moving parts in Tampa Bay's offense (again).

Egbuka (hamstring) isn't taking part in practice Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Though the Buccaneers will get receiver Mike Evans back on the practice field Thursday for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in a Week 3 win over the Jets, Egbuka is one of three key skill-position players who will sit out the team's first Week 7 session. Along with Egbuka, wideout Chris Godwin (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) will be sidelined Thursday, and the statuses of all three players appear to be in doubt for Monday's contest in Detroit. Before having his day cut short in this past Sunday's 30-19 win over the 49ers by a hamstring injury, Egbuka had taken full advantage of Evans and Godwin missing time over the first five contests, compiling a 25-445-5 receiving line on 38 targets while adding nine rushing yards during that stretch.

Egbuka (hamstring) is expected to miss time due to the hamstring injury that forced him out of Sunday's 30-19 win over the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Egbuka secured two of four targets for 24 yards before being forced out of Sunday's win, a contest that the Buccaneers entered with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) both already inactive due to injury, as well as top running back Bucky Irving (shoulder). It would be a significant blow for Tampa Bay's offense if Egbuka is indeed unable to return Week 7 for a road Monday Night Football matchup against the Lions, as the rookie phenom has already racked up a 25-445-5 receiving line on 38 targets and emerged as the team's most productive pass-catcher. With Egbuka, Evans and Godwin all uncertain for Week 7, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson and tight end Cade Otton could be positioned as Baker Mayfield's top receiving options.

Egbuka won't return to Sunday's contest agains the 49ers due to a hamstring injury, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Tampa Bay already was without the inactive Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) in Week 6, and now the team's rookie sensation is dealing with a health concern of his own that won't allow him to continue Sunday. The severity of Egbuka's injury isn't known, but the team is down to Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson as healthy options at the position.

Egbuka is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a hamstring injury, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Prior to the Buccaneers making this announcement in the third quarter, Egbuka mustered just two catches (on four targets) for 24 yards. He joins Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) as injured Tampa Bay wide receivers on the active roster, leaving Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson as the current available options at the position for the team.

Egbuka is set to serve as the Buccaneers' No. 1 receiver in Sunday's game against the 49ers due to Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (lower leg) being ruled inactive for the contest, per Scott Smith of the team's official site.

The star rookie has already been one of the league's most productive receivers throughout his first five NFL games while playing each without either Evans or Godwin on the field. With both veteran wideouts sidelined Sunday, the Ohio State product will officially assume the role of No. 1 receiver for the first time in his nascent career, where he'll look to improve on the per-game averages of 5.0 receptions, 89.0 receiving yards and 7.6 targets he's generated thus far this season.

Egbuka finished with seven receptions on as many targets for 163 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-35 win over Seattle.

Egbuka was unconscious in Sunday's thrilling victory, catching every ball thrown his way en route to a new career high in receiving yards (163). The standout rookie continued to step up in the absence of Mike Evans (hamstring), who missed his second game recovering from a Week 3 injury. Egbuka produced his second consecutive game with 100-plus yards and a trip to the end zone, proving that he can adequately fill his superstar teammate's shoes as Tampa Bay's No. 1 wideout. The Ohio State product is also proving that he can produce WR1 numbers for fantasy managers heading into a friendly matchup against the 49ers next Sunday.

Egbuka brought in four of 10 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown and rushed once for no gain during the Buccaneers' 31-25 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Egbuka tied for the team lead in targets with the debuting Chris Godwin (ankle), and he flashed with a 77-yard touchdown grab early in the third quarter. The rookie first-round pick's yardage total was also a career-high figure, and his scoring catch was already his fourth in four career games. Egbuka's target total has risen in each contest, and that trend could well continue in a Week 5 road matchup against the Seahawks that Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected remain sidelined for.

Egbuka caught six of eight targets for 85 yards in Sunday's 29-27 win over the Jets.

The rookie continues an impressive start to his NFL career, leading the Buccaneers in catches and yards while tying Mike Evans in targets. Evans left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin (ankle) may not be ready to make his season debut next week, which could leave Egbuka and his 14-181-3 line on 21 targets through three contests poised for massive volume in Week 4 against an Eagles secondary that just got torched for 11 catches and 112 yards by the Rams' Puka Nacua.

Egbuka (hip/groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Egbuka's availability for Week 3 initially appeared to be in some doubt after the two lower-body injuries kept him from practicing Wednesday and Thursday, but he was able to get back on the field as a limited participant Friday en route to taking a questionable designation into the weekend. The standout rookie is apparently feeling well enough to give it a go Sunday, though Adam Schefter of ESPN notes that Egbuka is a candidate to "have his snaps monitored and potentially limited based on how he feels during the game." Despite some possible workload restrictions, Egbuka still looks like a worthwhile option in fantasy lineups after he amassed an 8-96-3 receiving line on 13 targets through his first two NFL contests. However, Egbuka could eventually lose out on some looks in the passing game as soon as Week 4, as fellow wideout Chris Godwin (ankle) is targeting next Sunday's matchup with the Eagles for his 2025 debut.

Egbuka (hip/groin), who remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, is in line to play but is expected to have his snap count monitored, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Due to his pair of injuries, Egbuka was unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday before returning to the field Friday as a limited participant. While Egbuka's capped session looks like it'll be enough for him to gain formal clearance to play when Tampa Bay releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Egbuka profiles as a shakier fantasy option than normal after producing an 8-96-3 receiving line on 13 targets through his first two games. While the Buccaneers aren't placing a set number on the amount of snaps Egbuka will play, Schefter suggests that the rookie could end up being limited depending on how he feels as the game unfolds.

Egbuka (hip/groin) is expected to play Sunday against the Jets, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Egbuka is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest after returning to a limited practice Friday, but per Fowler the wideout is trending toward being available versus New York. In any case, confirmation of Egbuka's Week 3 status will arrive prior to the first wave of games Sunday, with the Buccaneers kicking off at 1:00 ET.

Egbuka (hip/groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets after returning to practice Friday as a limited participant, Rock Riley of the Tampa Free Press reports.

Egbuka didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and could now come down to a game-time decision ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday. With Chris Godwin (ankle) not expected to be ready just yet, the Buccaneers have Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson as options to fill in at WR (alongside Mike Evans and Sterling Shepard) if Egbuka ends up on the inactive list.

Egbuka (hip/groin) was present for practice Friday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Egbuka was deemed a non-participant both Wednesday and Thursday, so his presence at Friday's session is a positive sign ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets. The Buccaneers' upcoming practice/injury report will reveal both the wideout's participation level as well as whether he carries a Week 3 injury designation into the weekend.

Egbuka (hip/groin) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

After missing Wednesday's session due to hip and groin injuries, Egbuka was expected to mix into at least some drills Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. However, that didn't happen, meaning Egbuka has just one more chance to prove his health on the practice field this week. Friday's injury report will signal whether or not the rookie first-round pick is in danger of sitting out Sunday against the Jets.

Egbuka (hip/groin) was not spotted at the early open portion of practice open to the media but is expected to participate Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Egbuka missed practice Wednesday due to hip and groin injuries, but he's expected to log at least limited reps Thursday, which would bode well for his chances of gaining clearance in time for Sunday's contest against the Jets. If Egbuka is able to suit up versus New York, he'll again be positioned as one of the Buccaneers' clear top options in the receiving game alongside Mike Evans. Chris Godwin (ankle) is practicing but is not expected to make his return Week 3.

Egbuka didn't practice Wednesday due to hip and groin injuries.

The rookie first-round pick has kicked off his pro career with a bang, combining for three touchdown catches in his first two games. Overall, he has eight receptions (on 13 targets) for 96 yards and the aforementioned scores. There's no telling if the new health concerns are threatening his availability for Sunday's contest against the Jets, but his activity level Thursday and Friday likely will provide insight in that regard.

Egbuka brought in four of seven targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 20-19 win over the Texans on Monday night.

The rookie first-round pick had a relatively quiet latter portion of the game, but not before making his mark with what was already his third trip to the end zone through two NFL games. Egbuka scored on a nifty 15-yard catch and run in the second quarter, a play that accounted for more than half his receiving yardage on the night. The Texans, like the Falcons in Week 1, generally did a good job keeping plays in front of them, but Egbuka could benefit from the heavy attention Sauce Gardner is likely to bestow on Mike Evans in a Week 3 home matchup against the Jets on Sunday afternoon.

Egbuka brought in four of six targets for 67 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 23-20 win over the Falcons on Sunday. He also rushed once for nine yards.

The rookie first-round pick had been ascendant since he first stepped on a Buccaneers practice field this offseason, and Egbuka delivered handsomely in his first career regular-season contest. The Ohio State product first struck from 30-yards out just past the midway point of the second quarter, and he subsequently added what would turn out to be a game-winning 25-yard scoring grab with just under a minute remaining. The poise and polish that Egbuka has repeatedly been commended for was on display on his way to a team-leading yardage total, and he'll be in line to play another significant role during a Week 2 marquee interconference road matchup against the Texans on Monday night, Sept. 15.

Egubka's teammate Jalen McMillan (neck) is expected to miss a large portion of the upcoming season, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Chris Godwin, meanwhile, remains on the PUP list, yet to practice since suffering an ankle dislocation and ligament damage last October. With Godwin uncertain for Week 1 and McMillan presumably out, Egbuka may step right in as Tampa Bay's No. 2 receiver alongside Mike Evans. The 19th overall pick has taken plenty of first-team reps this summer, including during Saturday's 17-14 preseason win over the Steelers.

Egbuka recorded one catch on two targets for five yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 17-14 preseason win over the Steelers.

Egbuka was on the field for the first three drives for Tampa Bay and made his impact on the final possession. His lone catch was an impressive grab in the corner of the end zone that he made around Brandin Echols in coverage. Egbuka has gotten strong reviews in training camp and has made an impact in both preseason contests, leaving him in a strong position to make an early impact in his rookie season -- particularly if Chris Godwin (PUP-ankle) is sidelined to open the campaign.

Egbuka recorded one reception on two targets for 21 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason win over the Titans.

Both Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin (ankle) sat out the contest, leaving Egbuka and Jalen McMillan as the top pass catchers. Each played on the Buccaneers' opening drive, with Egbuka making a contested 21-yard catch while being tightly contested by a corner. Camp reports and his usage in this game both suggest that Egbuka will play a key role in the Buccaneers' offense come the regular season, particularly if Godwin is forced to miss any time.

Egbuka has looked like a polished veteran in several aspects of his game during the early portion of training camp, in no small part due to his perfectionist mindset, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The rookie first-round pick has had praise heaped on him by coaches and teammates for his precision on routes and high football IQ since he first took the field this offseason, and those traits are the byproduct of Egbuka's approach to the game since he began playing it. The Ohio State product noted Monday he's never needed additional external motivation because of the high standards he already sets for himself, and Dix reports that's already helped Egbuka stand out in his nuanced route running, timing, control at the catch point and quickness as he comes in and out of breaks.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield told the New Heights podcast that Egbuka is "the real deal" and can "plug and play at any of the three receiver spots right now."

Mayfield was effusive in his praise, also saying Egbuka has "YAC potential out the wazoo" and is "an absolute stud." It's a good sign for the rookie first-round pick's early involvement in the Tampa Bay offense, although there's still a lot that could happen this summer to impact his playing time, including Chris Godwin (ankle) rejoining the mix or Jalen McMillan building on his strong work from the end of last season.

The Buccaneers selected Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 19th overall.

Egbuka (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) might be somewhat redundant to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the short term, but the former Ohio State star can line up either in the slot or the boundary, so at the very least Egbuka can provide a plug-and-play swing backup utility to Tampa Bay while projecting as a long-term replacement for whichever of Evans or Godwin requires replacing first. Fellow wideout and 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan could very well be the starter opposite Egbuka at that future point, but in the meantime Egbuka should probably be the favorite to claim the WR3 role at McMillan's expense. Egbuka set the Ohio State career reception record with 205, which he turned into 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 career games. While Egbuka likely lacks the speed to dictate a vertical presence as a receiver, he likely projects as a high-volume target on underneath and slot routes.