Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a star rookie for the Buccaneers. Julio Aguilar / Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to lose offensive playmakers, as star rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a hamstring injury.
The Buccaneers entered the game without their top two wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and their starting running back, Bucky Irving. Egbuka had two catches for 24 yards in the game before being sidelined with the injury.
Egbuka, who was selected by Tampa Bay with the No. 19 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has reeled in 27 passes for 469 yards in his first six games in the NFL and become a valuable weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield. He’s been especially important in recent weeks as the Buccaneers lost their top offensive playmakers. Evans is recovering from a hamstring strain suffered in the third game of the season. Godwin sustained an injury to his fibula in the team’s win last week in Seattle, and Irving missed his third consecutive game as he deals with foot and shoulder injuries.
Without Evans, Godwin and Egbuka, the Buccaneers will look to Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson, as well as help from the tight ends, in the passing game. After Egbuka left the game, Johnson hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to give Tampa Bay a 27-19 lead late in the third quarter.
Oct 12, 2025
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