Emeka Egbuka Gets Brutal Update: Buccaneers Rookie Could Miss Multiple Games After Hamstring Injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has received a worrying update following the hamstring injury he suffered during Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. A respected sports doctor has now suggested that the breakout rookie may not return to the field until at least Week 10, dealing a major blow to Tampa Bay’s offense.

The news comes at a critical time for the Buccaneers, who are already managing injuries to veteran wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Losing Egbuka, one of the most dynamic rookie receivers in the league, could significantly affect their playoff hopes.

Emeka Egbuka Injury Update: Week 10 Earliest Return Date

Egbuka left Sunday’s matchup with a hamstring injury, forcing the Buccaneers to adjust their offensive game plan on the fly. Since joining the team as a rookie, he has been one of Tampa Bay’s most explosive weapons, tallying 27 receptions for 469 yards and five touchdowns through the first five weeks of the season.

According to sports doctor Jesse Morse, who shared his analysis on social media, the earliest realistic return date for Egbuka is Week 10, when the Buccaneers face the New England Patriots. “The earliest I expect Emeka Egbuka to return is Week 10,” Morse wrote. That timeline suggests he will miss at least two games — tough road contests against the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints.

While Morse’s estimate is not an official medical report from the Buccaneers, it is based on typical recovery patterns for similar hamstring injuries. The team has not released a formal timeline, but Morse’s projection has already sparked concern among fans that Egbuka could remain sidelined longer than expected.

The injury adds to Tampa Bay’s growing list of offensive setbacks. Evans and Godwin have both missed time this season, and head coach Todd Bowles has emphasized the importance of depth at wide receiver. Egbuka’s absence could force the Buccaneers to lean more heavily on their running game and tight ends while exploring options from the practice squad or free agency.

How Egbuka’s Absence Impacts Tampa Bay’s Season

The Buccaneers have started the 2025 season strong, and Egbuka has been a major reason why. His chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield has transformed Tampa Bay’s passing attack, giving defenses another weapon to account for alongside Evans and Godwin. Losing him for multiple weeks will test the team’s resilience against two playoff-caliber opponents.

Tampa Bay’s offense has relied on Egbuka’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches, especially on third downs and in the red zone. His absence could limit the team’s explosiveness and force Mayfield to rely on shorter, high-percentage throws. Opposing defenses may also shift more attention to stopping Evans if he returns, knowing Egbuka isn’t available as a secondary threat.

There’s also concern that hamstring injuries can linger if not managed carefully. Returning too quickly could risk re-injury and sideline Egbuka even longer. With Tampa Bay eyeing a postseason run, the team is expected to prioritize long-term health over rushing him back into the lineup.

For now, Buccaneers fans will have to prepare for life without Emeka Egbuka for at least the next two games — and possibly longer. His recovery will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, with Week 10 against the Patriots currently viewed as the earliest potential return date.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Emeka Egbuka?

He suffered a hamstring injury during Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, forcing him to leave the game early.

Q2: When will Emeka Egbuka return?

According to sports doctor Jesse Morse, the earliest expected return is Week 10 against the New England Patriots.

Q3: How has Egbuka performed this season?

In his rookie season, Egbuka has recorded 27 receptions for 469 yards and five touchdowns through five weeks.

Q4: How will his absence affect the Buccaneers?

The Buccaneers will lose a key offensive weapon, potentially reducing their deep passing threat and forcing strategic adjustments.

Q5: Could Egbuka miss more than two games?

Yes, if his recovery takes longer than expected, he could be sidelined beyond Week 10.