Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 30‑19 win over the San Francisco 49ers and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Todd Bowles said afterward that Egbuka was still being evaluated, and no further update was available.
However, it was recently reported that Egbuka is set to undergo testing on Tuesday to assess the hamstring injury he suffered against the 49ers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The results will help determine the duration of him being sidelined, as the Bucs await clarity on yet another offensive setback.
Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in this year’s draft, entered the contest with 445 receiving yards, ranking fourth in the league. His five touchdowns were tied for second‑most, highlighting his immediate impact on Tampa Bay’s offense.
The loss of Emeka Egbuka added to quarterback Baker Mayfield’s challenges in a depleted receiving corps. Yet Mayfield responded with a critical sequence, escaping a sack for a 15‑yard scramble on third‑and‑14, then connecting with fellow rookie Tez Johnson for a diving 45‑yard touchdown. The play extended the Buccaneers’ lead to 27‑19 heading into the fourth quarter.
“I mean it was huge,” Todd Bowles said. “Every time something happens negative, he makes it a positive, and he does something to give everybody hope, and that run was one of them.”
The Buccaneers have been hit hard by injuries across their skill positions. Mike Evans has missed three games with a hamstring strain and has yet to return to practice, though his initial recovery timeline suggested a possible return next week against the Detroit Lions.
Chris Godwin, who recently came back from ankle surgery, is sidelined again with a fibula injury and is considered week‑to‑week. Running back Bucky Irving has missed two straight games while managing both a foot sprain and a shoulder subluxation.
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan remains on injured reserve after a neck sprain suffered in the preseason, though the expectation is that he could return following the team’s Week 9 bye.
Despite the setbacks, Baker Mayfield has continued to deliver at an MVP‑caliber level. His leadership was evident again Sunday, keeping the offense afloat with timely plays and trust in his supporting cast. “I truly genuinely trust the guys that are in there,” Mayfield said. “They’re ready. We talk throughout the week. Guys are on the same page and that’s real.”
The Buccaneers’ injury list also extends beyond the offense, with starters Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke, Calijah Kancey, and Zyon McCollum also sidelined. Still, Todd Bowles has guided Tampa Bay to a 5‑1 record, keeping the team near the top of the NFC standings.
With a Monday Night Football showdown against the Detroit Lions approaching, the Buccaneers’ resilience will be tested once again. If Egbuka’s absence stretches beyond this week, Bowles and offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will need to adjust quickly to maintain momentum in a season already defined by adversity.
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