RADIO
Tez Johnson a Touchdown-Dependent Play for Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson was able to find the end zone for the first time this season last week. Johnson was forced into a bigger role with Emeka Egbuka (ankle, concussion) sidelined against the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old hauled in both of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in the blowout victory. The expectation is that Johnson will once again see more time on the field this weekend with Egbuka out for the second straight game. The Bucs are expected to pass the ball more in Week 8 against the struggling Atlanta Falcons defense. A unit that currently ranks 29th against the pass coming into this Week 8 contest. Johnson has big-play ability, but he isn't someone that is going to draw a ton of targets. Fantasy managers should view Johnson as a touchdown-dependent option against the Falcons this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ted Hurst III a Risky Flex Play in Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III is looking for better results after failing to make an impact during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. The rookie wideout was only targeted once, but the Bucs only attempted 11 passes throughout the entire game. The rookie wideout has now been blanked in two of the last three games. The hope is that Hurst will have better results against the Atlanta Falcons defense in Week 8. A defensive unit that ranks 29th against the pass coming into this game. The Bucs are without top wideout Emeka Egbuka (ankle, concussion) once again this weekend. Hurst should serve as the No. 2 option in the passing game in a favorable matchup. The 22-year-old could offer deep league flex appeal, but remains a risky choice given he has three total receptions over his last three games.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chris Godwin Jr. has Flex Appeal for Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has been a lousy fantasy option through the first seven weeks of the season. The veteran wideout has been held to under 40 receiving yards in five straight games. The hope was that Godwin's value would increase with starting quarterback Baker Mayfield returning last week. That wasn't the case as Godwin hauled in four of his five targets for 27 receiving yards in the win over the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers shouldn't lose all hope yet with Godwin having a juicy matchup in Week 8. He'll draw a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons defense that currently ranks 29th in the league against the pass. It's unclear how much Mayfield's dislocated thumb will play into the Bucs' passing attack. In theory, Godwin should be in line for a decent game with top wideout Emeka Egbuka (ankle, concussion) ruled out once again. There's some flex appeal here with Godwin acting as the top wideout against a struggling pass defense in Week 8.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Emeka Egbuka to Be Ruled Out Against Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) did not practice Friday and will be ruled out for Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Egbuka was limited Wednesday and Thursday, even shedding his non-contact jersey during Thursday's session, but he will now miss his second consecutive game. The second-year receiver caught seven of 16 targets for 48 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh in Week 6 before sitting out last week's victory over Carolina. Tez Johnson benefited from his absence, playing a season-high 41 offensive snaps and catching two passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. Chris Godwin added four receptions for 27 yards, although Tampa Bay attempted just 11 passes in the lopsided win. Johnson should continue seeing increased playing time, while Godwin remains the more established fantasy option in a receiving corps missing its leading target.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka limited in practice again Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) was officially listed as limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Egbuka did not play in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but with two limited practices under his belt this week, he is giving himself a chance to return this weekend in another divisional game at home against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. However, the former first-rounder will probably need a full practice on Friday in order to be cleared from the Week 8 injury report entirely. The big news is that the 24-year-old former Ohio State star shed his non-contact jersey during Thursday's practice, meaning he is making progress from his head and foot injuries this week. Fantasy managers should still consider him questionable to play this weekend, but Egbuka is trending in the right direction. If Egbuka gets cleared by an independent neurologist later this week, he should be thrown back into starting fantasy lineups in Week 8. He has caught 28 of his 49 targets through six games in 2026 for 240 yards and two touchdowns as Tampa's WR1.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Emeka Egbuka Moves to Contact Jersey, Nears Return
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) took a clear step toward a Week 8 return, wearing a contact jersey at Thursday's practice after working in a non-contact jersey Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The second-year receiver drew 25 targets across his last two appearances before the injury, so a return would give quarterback Baker Mayfield one of his primary receiving options back against the Atlanta Falcons. He was officially limited Wednesday, another encouraging development after missing the Week 7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Thursday's official participation level has not yet been announced, and Egbuka still needs to clear concussion protocol before being eligible to play Sunday.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka Returns to Individual Drills on Wednesday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot), who missed the team's Week 7 blowout win over the Panthers, took part in individual drills on Wednesday, but head coach Todd Bowles told reporters he would need to do more on Thursday to progress toward a return. Prior to sustaining a concussion and foot injury, the second-year receiver had topped 14 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks, snapping a streak of single-digit outings that dated all the way back to Week 11 of his rookie season. While he is trending toward a Week 8 return, he is by no means a lock to be plugged directly back into lineups, as his two best games of the season came with rookie Jalon Daniels under center, while Baker Mayfield was asked to throw the ball only 11 times in his return from a thumb injury.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Emeka Egbuka in Non-Contact Jersey in Wednesday's Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot), who missed the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday, is in a non-contact jersey for the start of Wednesday's practice, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. None of Tampa's wideouts really took advantage of Egbuka being out last weekend, with Tampa's ground game and their defense doing all the heavy lifting against the Panthers. Tez Johnson led the team with just two catches for 33 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The Bucs will likely need a better passing-game effort from quarterback Baker Mayfield in a Week 8 divisional clash against the Atlanta Falcons, so hopefully Egbuka will be able to clear the league's concussion protocol and return after a one-game absence. His presence at Wednesday's practice, likely in a limited role, is a good start to the week. Fantasy managers will need to keep a close eye on the 24-year-old's status through Friday, but if he is cleared to return, he will be a must-start in most fantasy leagues as Mayfield's top receiving target.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Chris Godwin Jr. isn't Producing Despite Decent Target Share
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. had a touchdown erased by an illegal shift penalty in Sunday's 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, yet he still led the team with five targets. Through seven games, he has recorded 27 receptions for 243 yards without a touchdown, failing to surpass 50 receiving yards in any appearance, which keeps him a cut candidate in most fantasy leagues. Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) has commanded 49 targets in six games compared to Godwin's 34 in seven, and his potential Week 8 return would further limit Godwin's opportunities. Fantasy managers can move on from Godwin in 10- and 12-team leagues for more productive receiving options. He remains a conditional hold in deeper PPR formats, particularly if Egbuka misses additional time, but his lack of production makes him difficult to justify starting. Sunday's line was four catches for 27 yards, although Baker Mayfield attempted just 11 passes as Tampa Bay dominated on the ground.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson Worth Adding After Outplaying Hurst
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson made the most of Emeka Egbuka's (concussion/foot) absence in Sunday's 43-13 win over Carolina. Johnson played 41 offensive snaps, compared to 35 for Ted Hurst III, and caught both targets for 33 yards and a touchdown while adding a 14-yard rush. Hurst went without a reception on one target. Baker Mayfield attempted just 11 passes in the blowout but praised Johnson's two key scramble-drill catches afterward. Johnson has nine receptions for 178 yards this season, and his increased involvement makes him an appealing Week 8 pickup, especially if Egbuka remains sidelined against Atlanta.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emeka Egbuka Questionable to Play in Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) is questionable heading into the team's Week 8 contest against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to Pewter Report. The Bucs will get a better read on Egbuka's status once practice begins this Wednesday. The 24-year-old former first-rounder from Ohio State was held out of Sunday's blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers due to a concussion and foot injury, and depending on how he progresses this week, he could be a candidate to miss a second straight game. Nobody really benefited from Egbuka's absence in Tampa's WR corps on Sunday, with quarterback Baker Mayfield attempting only 11 passes and throwing for 64 yards in his first game back from a dislocated right thumb. Tez Johnson was the team's leading wideout, catching both of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown. Johnson and rookie Ted Hurst III should have more opportunities alongside veteran Chris Godwin Jr. in Week 8 if Egbuka misses another game, but fantasy managers should not have much confidence in this passing game right now. Egbuka has caught 28 of his 49 targets for 240 yards and two touchdowns as the team's top WR when healthy.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Chris Godwin Jr. Struggles Again, Droppable in Most Leagues
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. hauled in four of five targets for 27 yards in the 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. Godwin also had a touchdown called back due to an illegal shift penalty in the first half. After Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) was ruled out for Week 7, many expected Godwin to step up as the Buccaneers' lead receiver. Although he led the team in targets, Tampa Bay was unstoppable on the ground, leaving quarterback Baker Mayfield to throw only 11 times. Egbuka practiced on Friday, so signs point to a Week 8 return for the second-year receiver. If Egbuka returns, Godwin is a droppable player in fantasy leagues, as he continues to struggle to start his 10th season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tez Johnson Finds the End Zone in Elevated Role
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were looking for some wide receivers to step up in the Week 7 game against the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday with top wideout Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) out due to injuries. Johnson led the Buccaneers in receiving in their 43-13 blowout win on the road, but he caught only two passes (on two targets) for a team-high 33 receiving yards on a day in which quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for only 64 yards on 11 passing attempts in his first game back from a dislocated right thumb. Mayfield found the 24-year-old Johnson wide open in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Johnson might have had a much bigger game had Tampa not had such a huge lead for most of the game, but his 16.5 yards-per-catch average was impressive nonetheless. He will only be in play as a deep-league flex play next week against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons if Egbuka misses another game. Johnson now has nine receptions on 15 targets for the season for 178 yards and a touchdown in seven contests. Fantasy managers should not be spending much on Johnson on the waiver wire with Egbuka potentially returning in Week 8.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ted Hurst III Offers Plug-and-Play Potential Against Carolina
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst III could provide emergency flex value in Sunday's Week 7 matchup against Carolina, with Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) ruled out. Hurst played 50% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps against Pittsburgh last week, drawing six targets. Through six games, he has caught 11 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown, leaving his weekly production difficult to trust. Chris Godwin Jr. and Tez Johnson will also compete for targets, while quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is questionable but expected to start. Ranked WR44 by RotoBaller for Week 7, Hurst offers plug-and-play potential as an emergency flex option in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson a Touchdown-Dependent Option for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson is expected to see a larger role against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. Top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) is ruled out for this weekend. His absence should move Johnson into the No. 3 wideout role with the Bucs banged up at wideout. Johnson had a promising rookie campaign, but he hasn't been much of a factor this season. Heading into Week 7, Johnson has hauled in seven receptions for 145 yards and zero touchdowns. He offers big-play upside, but probably isn't someone who is going to see a handful of targets. The return of Baker Mayfield (thumb) should help his value with the deep ball back in play. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider Johnson a touchdown-dependent option for Week 7.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
