RADIO
Bucky Irving Scores Twice in 100-Yard Rushing Performance
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving offers RB2 value heading into Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons after delivering his second 100-yard rushing performance in three games during Sunday's 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, finishing with 106 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Irving scored from four yards out on Tampa Bay's opening possession after accounting for 47 rushing yards on the drive, then added a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also caught one of two targets for four yards, finishing with 110 scrimmage yards. It was a welcome turnaround after Irving managed just 46 rushing yards on 19 attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. Kenny Gainwell remained involved, rushing 14 times for 88 yards, although Irving handled both of Tampa Bay's short-yardage touchdown opportunities, and his 24 carries and goal-line usage outweigh any concern about Gainwell's involvement.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Returns From Hip Injury Against Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) has returned to Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Greg Auman, restoring another option to the Buccaneers' backfield, although Bucky Irving continues to handle the majority of the rushing workload. Gainwell was initially questionable to return after leaving in the third quarter with nine carries for 49 yards. The veteran has since added five rushing attempts for 39 yards, bringing his total to 14 carries for 88 yards, easily his highest rushing output of the season. Irving remains Tampa Bay's lead back with 24 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while Sean Tucker has also contributed a 46-yard touchdown run.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Kenny Gainwell Questionable to Return With Hip Injury
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Pewter Report, and Sean Tucker could pick up additional snaps if he cannot, though Bucky Irving remains the team's primary rushing option. Gainwell had nine carries for 49 yards in the first half, including a 29-yard run, after receiving just two rushing attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. Irving has led Tampa Bay's backfield with 18 carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns, while Tucker has managed minus-one yard on his only attempt. With the Buccaneers leading 33-6 at halftime, the lopsided score could influence how Tampa Bay distributes its second-half workload.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Baker Mayfield to Wear Protective Glove Against Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) profiles as a Week 7 QB2 whose greatest fantasy appeal comes in Superflex and deeper leagues, and he will wear a custom protective glove for Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared a photo of the custom equipment ahead of kickoff. Developed with assistance from the Tampa Bay Rays, the glove features reinforcement behind Mayfield's dislocated thumb to prevent it from bending backward. Mayfield acknowledged that wearing the glove requires adjustments to his grip and release point but said he feels comfortable throwing with the glove on. The veteran practiced in full throughout Week 7, and head coach Todd Bowles expects him to start after a three-game absence despite his questionable designation. Mayfield threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three starts, and he will return without wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot).
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
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
Kenny Gainwell is Barely Getting Involved
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell has been a non-factor throughout most of the season. This past weekend, Gainwell rushed the ball twice for 17 yards, while hauling in one reception for seven yards. The veteran back hasn't carried the ball more than four times in a game since the season opener. Lead back Bucky Irving is playing well right now, so the Bucs don't have a reason to give Gainwell an extended look. The Bucs haven't really been getting Gainwell into the game plan, and that's unlikely to change against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cade Otton is Barely on Fantasy Radar for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has barely been a factor lately. Over the last two games, Otton has hauled in four receptions for 29 yards. The hope is that the return of Baker Mayfield (thumb) in Week 7 will boost the overall value of Otton. Also, the absence of top wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) could play a factor as well. The hope is that Otton bounces back against the Carolina Panthers this weekend, but fantasy managers still shouldn't trust him as a starting option. He'll offer a low floor even with Egbuka out and Mayfield back under center. Fantasy managers should keep Otton on the bench until he proves he can offer viable value.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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
Ted Hurst III Could Offer Deep-League Value
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III could see a larger role in the offense this weekend. Top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. His absence should mean that Hurst moves into the No. 2 role in this offense. This past weekend, Hurst hauled in three of his six targets for 40 yards in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie wideout should also see a boost in value with quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) making his return to the field. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much, but Hurst could be a flex play in deep leagues this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chris Godwin Jr. Should Have Increased Value
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. is expected to see an increased usage during this weekend's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Fellow wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) has been ruled out ahead of this contest. His absence means that Godwin will take over as the top wideout for Sunday's game. Godwin hasn't been much of a fantasy option this season, but quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is making his return to the field this weekend. The expectation is that Godwin will see a higher target share and increased value with Mayfield back under center. The veteran wideout hasn't given fantasy managers much reason to trust him, but they might be able to plug him in as a flex option this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kenny Gainwell is Avoidable in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell hasn't been a viable fantasy option through the first six games of the regular season. That's unlikely to change against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. This past weekend, Gainwell rushed the ball twice for 17 yards while hauling in his lone target for seven yards. Gainwell has seen four or fewer rushing attempts in five straight games. There hasn't been much of a role for Gainwell in this offense, and that probably won't change with Bucky Irving doing well in the lead back role. Gainwell is worth holding in certain formats, but he's not a recommended starting option ahead of this Week 7 matchup.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bucky Irving Gives High-End RB2 Value for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (illness) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Irving was limited in practice on Thursday, but he will be out there for this must-win divisional contest. Irving is hopeful for better results after struggling to do much of anything during last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He carried the ball 19 times for 46 yards while hauling in two receptions for three yards. The Bucs are without top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion), which means they could lean on the run game more than normal. The Panthers' run defense is beatable, so Irving should have a better day on the ground. Fantasy managers should consider Irving a high-end RB2 for this game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Baker Mayfield Lands on QB2 Radar for Week 7 Return
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) has been cleared to suit up for the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. The veteran is listed as questionable, but head coach Todd Bowles already confirmed that Mayfield is ready to play. This marks the first time that Mayfield has started a game since the Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs are without top wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion), so Mayfield won't even have his top weapon for his return. Mayfield wasn't lighting up the box score before the injury, so we'll see what he can do without his top wideout available. Fantasy managers should put Mayfield on the QB2 radar for his return in Week 7.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bucky Irving Off the Week 7 Injury Report
After missing Wednesday's practice with an illness and logging a limited participation on Thursday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (illness) returned to a full practice on Friday and carries no injury designation into the team's Week 7 divisional matchup with the Panthers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is also expected to play after missing the past two games with an injury to his throwing hand. With Mayfield potentially limited, and the team without top receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot), who has already been ruled out, Irving could see more work in the passing game than he has with the more mobile rookie Jalon Daniels under center. Against a Panthers defense that has been beatable on the ground, Irving has multiple paths to a standout performance and is RotoBaller's RB12 for Week 7.
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka Ruled Out for Sunday
Despite logging limited practice participation on Friday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's divisional matchup with the Panthers. Egbuka has scored double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back contests after breaking a dry spell dating all the way back to Week 10 of his rookie season, but he will be unavailable for a game that projects to see starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) return from a two-game absence of his own. Mayfield has averaged only 205 passing yards in his three starts, and the Panthers have been a top-10 defense against fantasy wide receivers, making none of Tampa's remaining options particularly appealing despite a projected condensing of targets. That said, veteran Chris Godwin Jr. should be able to provide a usable floor in full-PPR formats.
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
