RADIO
Bucky Irving's Absence Chalked up to Rest
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (rest) was not spotted at Thursday's practice, but beat writer Greg Auman has since reported that his absence was a simple rest day for the third-year veteran. Irving is coming off a dominant 110-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Panthers and is the fantasy RB13 through seven weeks, so any missed time is a rightful cause for concern after injuries limited him to only 10 games in 2025 while sapping him of the explosiveness put on display both before and since. That said, he appears to be well on track to suit up for a Week 8 matchup with the Falcons and is RotoBaller's RB13 ahead of the divisional clash.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Kenny Gainwell Returns to Practice on Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Meanwhile, fellow RB Bucky Irving (undisclosed) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media after he was a full-go on Wednesday. The Buccaneers' backfield has some question marks right now as they prepare to take on the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 8 this Sunday. If Gainwell is cleared to play and Irving is inactive this weekend, Gainwell would instantly have RB2 upside after a disappointing start to his first year with the team. The 27-year-old came out of nowhere to catch a career-high 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but so far through seven weeks this season, he has just 12 catches on 17 targets for 61 yards and one score, adding 33 carries for 149 yards (4.5 yards per attempt). The efficiency has been there, but the volume is lacking with Irving settled in as the lead back. Gainwell had a season-high 14 carries for 88 yards on the ground in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers cannot count on that happening every week as long as Irving is healthy.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Bucky Irving Not at Thursday's Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (undisclosed) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Pewter Report. Meanwhile, fellow RB Kenny Gainwell (hip) was back on the field after not participating in practice on Wednesday. It is unclear what is keeping Irving off the field for the team's second practice of the week, but if he cannot play this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, both Gainwell (if he is active) and Sean Tucker would have expanded backfield roles for the Bucs on Sunday. Irving had his second 100-yard rushing game in the last three weeks and scored two times on a season-high 24 carries in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, and he has been the clear leader of Tampa's backfield through the first seven weeks of the season. Check back for an update on the 24-year-old RB as to why he was not on the field for practice on Thursday. If he is active this weekend, he will be a must-start fantasy RB against the Falcons.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
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
Kenny Gainwell Limited in Practice With Hip Injury
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. It is a new injury for Gainwell, who apparently injured his hip in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday. While the 27-year-old is now questionable to play this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, he is on the right side of questionable after practicing on Wednesday. If Gainwell is limited at all or unable to play against Atlanta, it would open the door for Sean Tucker to see an elevated workload and put him in play as a viable RB3/flex in fantasy football leagues. Gainwell has been a disappointment in 2026 in his first year in Tampa after catching a career-high 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, and he is now rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues. However, he did have a season-high 14 carries for 88 yards in the blowout against Carolina on Sunday, and he is averaging 4.5 yards per carry as the change-of-pace back behind starter Bucky Irving.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
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
Baker Mayfield a Streaming Option After a Quiet Return
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted only 11 passes in the team's Week 7 blowout win over the Panthers. With the Buccaneers getting points out of the defense and the run game clicking on all cylinders, little was asked of the veteran quarterback in his first game back from a two-game absence, but in what should be a more competitive matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, fresh off an upset win over the 49ers, Mayfield has some appeal as a Week 8 streaming option. Atlanta ranks as the 14th-best matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, and with four more teams on bye, Mayfield offers enough of a usable floor to make him RotoBaller's QB19 on the week.
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
Kenny Gainwell Worthy of Waiver-Wire Consideration After Efficient Outing
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell has demonstrated efficiency in the rushing attack all season long, even when he hasn't been tasked with handling a large workload. Gainwell is now averaging more than 4.5 yards per carry this season, and he exploded for 6.3 yards per carry on 14 rushing attempts in the Bucs' 43-13 win over the Panthers on Sunday in Week 7. The 27-year-old only played 30% of the snaps in the divisional win, but Tampa Bay leaned on him to handle a large workload, especially once the score got out of hand later in the game. While Gainwell's overall volume was likely skewed by garbage time and may not be sustainable, the fact that he maintained impressive efficiency numbers should be an encouraging sign going forward. We expect him to continue posting around four to five yards per carry going forward, even if his overall volume of rushing attempts gets scaled back a little. He's an intriguing handcuff behind Bucky Irving with the potential to handle more volume in garbage time or if Irving gets banged up.
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
Baker Mayfield Delivers Fantasy Bust Despite Buccaneers' 43-Point Outburst
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was a fantasy bust in his return from a three-game absence, finishing with just 6.7 fantasy points in Sunday's 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers with little opportunity to accumulate production. Mayfield completed seven of 11 passes for 64 yards and one touchdown without an interception, added one rushing yard, and posted an efficient 109.7 passer rating. His lone touchdown, a 14-yard connection with Tez Johnson late in the second quarter, gave Tampa Bay a commanding 33-6 halftime advantage. The Buccaneers attempted 49 rushes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, while their defense contributed another score on a fumble return. Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged afterward that such a run-heavy approach wasn't the original plan, but the circumstances let Tampa Bay control the game without relying on its passing attack. Mayfield will face the Atlanta Falcons at home in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
