RADIO
Emeka Egbuka Considered Doubtful for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) is doubtful to play on Sunday against the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 7, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Egbuka got back onto the practice field on Friday, but apparently it is not enough progress after the 24-year-old was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a concussion and a foot injury. The former 19th overall pick in 2025 from Ohio State needs to be removed from starting fantasy lineups for the weekend. It is a shame that he will not get a chance to keep his momentum going this weekend in a good matchup after he caught seven of a season-high 16 targets for 48 yards and his second touchdown of the year in last Sunday's overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Egbuka expected to be out on Sunday, rookie Ted Hurst III and Tez Johnson will be asked to step up in the passing game with quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) back behind veteran Chris Godwin Jr. Tight end Cade Otton will also be a more attractive TE2 streamer in Carolina.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Baker Mayfield Ready to Go for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is ready to go for Sunday's divisional contest on the road against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Todd Bowles told Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield will return this weekend after missing the last three games after he dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted rookie signal-caller Jalon Daniels will return to a backup role with Mayfield returning. The Panthers defense has allowed the most passing yards per game through the first six weeks of the season, so Mayfield will have a plus matchup in his return on Sunday. However, he is also expected to be without top wideout Emeka Egbuka, who is considered doubtful to play due to a concussion and foot injury. Mayfield will be back on the QB2 radar in superflex leagues against the Panthers, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations. The two-time Pro Bowler was not exactly playing well before his thumb injury, throwing for 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first three games in 2026.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka Returns to Practice Friday, Week 7 Status Uncertain
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) returned to practice Friday ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Egbuka was officially listed as a non-participant Wednesday and Thursday, although he worked with a trainer on the side during Thursday's session. His Friday participation level has not been confirmed, and there has been no announcement that he has cleared concussion protocol. Egbuka drew a season-high 16 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, catching seven passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. His return to practice is encouraging, but fantasy managers will need confirmation of his availability before considering him for Sunday's lineups.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Baker Mayfield Expects to Return With Protective Glove in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) expects to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing three games with a dislocated thumb. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond helped create a protective glove designed to prevent the joint from bending backward. Mayfield practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday, saying the glove feels comfortable despite requiring adjustments to his grip and release points. Head coach Todd Bowles plans to decide Friday whether Mayfield or rookie Jalon Daniels will start. Mayfield threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games this season. That production leaves him as a QB2 option in Superflex leagues if he starts, with limited appeal in standard single-quarterback formats.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
Baker Mayfield Practices Fully Again With Week 7 Decision Looming
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, according to Brianna Dix, his second consecutive full session as the team weighs its starting quarterback options for Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Mayfield has missed three games since dislocating his right thumb against Minnesota in Week 3, with rookie Jalon Daniels starting in his absence. The veteran returned to practice Wednesday wearing a glove on his injured throwing hand and split quarterback reps with Daniels. Head coach Todd Bowles was encouraged by Mayfield's performance and noted that his throwing improved as the session went on. Bowles hopes to decide Friday who will start against Carolina, and Mayfield's back-to-back full practices strengthen his chances of returning to the lineup.
Source: Brianna Dix
Source: Brianna Dix
Baker Mayfield Says his Thumb is "Strong Enough to Play"
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) said that "we've gotten to a place where it's strong enough to play" when discussing his injured right thumb and Sunday's Week 7 game against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield has missed the team's last three games due to a dislocated thumb on his right hand, but he practiced in full on Wednesday, and all signs are pointing towards him returning this weekend and sending rookie Jalon Daniels back to the bench. The 31-year-old former first overall pick from Oklahoma knows how to play through injuries, and he has a nice matchup upcoming against a Panthers defense that has allowed a league-high 295.6 passing yards per game in their five games played. Mayfield was underperforming in his three games before injuring his thumb, though, and he is expected to be without one of his top wideouts in Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot). If he returns to face Carolina, Mayfield will be back on the superflex radar as a low-end QB2 option.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Bucs Still Non-Committal on Week 7 Starting QB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that the team is ready for anything when it comes to who is in at quarterback for the Week 7 game this Sunday against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, according to Pewter Report. Head coach Todd Bowles will make the final decision. Robinson has done preparation for rookie Jalon Daniels or Baker Mayfield (thumb) starting in Carolina. Mayfield has missed the last three games due to a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, but he has returned to practice this week and was a full participant on Wednesday. That would seem to indicate that Mayfield is good to go to face the Panthers, but the Buccaneers might want the veteran signal-caller to check off a few more boxes before they make the announcement. If Mayfield makes his return this weekend, he is expected to be without one of his top receivers in Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot), which would be a hit to Mayfield's QB2 streaming case. The two-time Pro Bowler led the team to an 0-3 start while throwing for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on 96 pass attempts.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Bucky Irving Back at Practice After Wednesday's Absence
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (illness) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. His return is an encouraging development ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, especially after an illness hit several Tampa Bay players earlier in the week. Irving has handled 96 carries for 452 yards and two touchdowns through six games and holds a substantial advantage in the backfield workload. He got 19 carries and three targets in Sunday's overtime loss to Pittsburgh, while Kenneth Gainwell managed just two rushing attempts and one target. Sean Tucker (quadriceps), who missed that contest, was a full participant Wednesday and could rejoin the rotation against Carolina. Irving's precise Thursday participation level hasn't been confirmed yet. Update - Irving practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
Baker Mayfield Throwing Well as Week 7 Decision Nears
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) continues to make encouraging progress toward a potential return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Mayfield appeared to be throwing effectively during Thursday's practice, building on his full participation Wednesday. The veteran hadn't practiced since dislocating his right thumb against Minnesota in Week 3, and head coach Todd Bowles previously indicated that Mayfield looked increasingly comfortable throwing while wearing a glove on his injured hand. Bowles hopes to determine Friday whether Mayfield or rookie Jalon Daniels will start against Carolina. Mayfield's recovery is progressing, but the potential absences of wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) and right tackle Luke Goedeke (calf) could complicate his return. Both players appear unlikely to suit up, according to Auman's latest observations.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka Trending Toward Missing Week 7, Misses Practice Again Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) appears unlikely to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The second-year receiver missed Wednesday's practice with both ailments, and Auman's latest assessment suggests Tampa Bay may need to prepare for his absence. Egbuka leads the Buccaneers with 28 receptions for 240 yards through six games, which makes up a big share of an offense that has struggled to produce consistently through the air. Chris Godwin, who has 23 receptions for 216 yards, could take on a larger role if Egbuka is unavailable. Rookie Ted Hurst is another potential beneficiary after drawing six targets against Pittsburgh last week. Egbuka hasn't officially been ruled out, and his availability depends on his recovery from both injuries.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Chris Godwin Jr. Remains a Lackluster Option
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has been a lackluster fantasy option all season long. The veteran wideout hasn't been productive, whether it's Baker Mayfield (thumb) or Jalon Daniels under center. Godwin has only recorded more than four receptions in a single game once through the first six games of the season. The 30-year-old hasn't surpassed 40 receiving yards in a single game since Week 2. At this point, it doesn't seem like fantasy managers are going to get anything more than a low-end flex option out of Godwin. There's a chance that his value does increase once Mayfield returns, but fantasy managers in 12-team redraft formats might want to consider moving on.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Baker Mayfield Practices in Full, Could Return in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, his first since dislocating his right thumb against Minnesota in Week 3. Head coach Todd Bowles was encouraged by the veteran's performance and noted that his throwing improved as the session went on. Mayfield wore a glove on his injured throwing hand and said he felt comfortable with it, although the coaching staff still needs to see how his thumb responds to the increased activity. Rookie Jalon Daniels has started three consecutive games in Mayfield's absence, going 1-2 while struggling with turnovers and passing efficiency. Bowles hopes to decide on Sunday's starter against Carolina by Friday, which makes Mayfield's full participation an important development without guaranteeing his return to the lineup.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Bucky Irving Sidelined by Illness Wednesday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (illness) did not participate in Wednesday's practice as the team prepares to face Carolina in Week 7. The third-year back has handled 40 carries over his past two appearances, although his production varied dramatically between games. After rushing for a career-high 165 yards and a touchdown against Dallas in Week 5, Irving managed just 46 yards on 19 attempts in Sunday's overtime loss to Pittsburgh. His latest absence is attributed to an illness and not the glute injury that limited him in practice earlier this month. Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker would be candidates for more work if Irving can't play, but the illness hasn't yet led to a game-status designation. Irving's substantial workload remains intact when he's healthy.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Emeka Egbuka Misses Practice With Concussion and Foot Injury
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Both ailments appeared on Tampa Bay's opening injury report, which raises concerns about the second-year receiver's availability after he saw a season-high 16 targets in Sunday's 26-19 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. Egbuka caught seven passes for 48 yards and a touchdown, accounting for more than a third of Jalon Daniels' pass attempts. That heavy involvement has made him the focal point of Tampa Bay's passing attack despite the offense's inconsistent production. Chris Godwin and rookie Ted Hurst could absorb more targets if Egbuka misses time, although his status remains uncertain heading into Thursday's practice.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Baker Mayfield Throwing With a Glove on During Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is throwing with a glove on his injured right hand in practice on Wednesday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. As expected, Mayfield is back at practice on Wednesday, although the Buccaneers have not decided whether he will return this weekend to face the division-rival Carolina Panthers on the road. The 31-year-old veteran has not played since dislocating the thumb on his throwing hand on Sept. 27. Head coach Todd Bowles said that the team is planning for undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels to make another start against the Panthers, but Mayfield could have something to say about that if he looks good during practices through Friday. If Mayfield makes his return after a three-game absence to face Carolina, he will be an even riskier low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. The two-time Pro Bowler threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the first three games of the year before he injured his thumb in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
