Emeka Egbuka Injury Update: Will Buccaneers Rookie WR Miss Time After Hamstring Issue vs. 49ers?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 6 clash against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The standout first-year receiver was ruled doubtful to return, dealing a major blow to a Bucs offense already missing Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

The setback came early in the second half as Tampa Bay tried to extend its lead. Egbuka, who had two catches for 24 yards in the first half, was seen heading to the sideline and did not return to the field. NFL insider Ari Meirov confirmed the update, reporting that the rookie receiver was dealing with a hamstring injury and was unlikely to return.

What Happened to Emeka Egbuka in Week 6?

Coming into the game, Egbuka was one of Tampa Bay’s healthiest offensive weapons. With Evans and Godwin sidelined, he was expected to shoulder a major receiving load. Instead, his afternoon ended abruptly due to a soft tissue injury that could linger beyond Week 6.

Egbuka entered the matchup as one of the NFL’s most impactful rookies. He ranked eighth among all wide receivers in PFSN’s WR Impact metric (87.5) and was averaging 11.7 yards per target — the highest by any rookie through five games since Ja’Marr Chase in 2021. His emergence was a big reason Tampa Bay started the season 4-1 despite a series of injuries on offense.

The Buccaneers offense, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield’s MVP-level play, relied heavily on Egbuka’s explosiveness. His early-season production placed him firmly in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. He is also one of only five players since 2000 to post multiple 100-yard games and a touchdown within their first five NFL appearances.

With Egbuka now sidelined, the Buccaneers’ wide receiver depth has been severely tested. Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and Ryan Miller are the next men up — a group that will likely rotate roles with the top three receivers unavailable.

How Long Could Emeka Egbuka Be Out?

Hamstring injuries can vary in severity, but initial reports suggest Egbuka could miss more than one game. The Buccaneers are unlikely to rush him back in Week 7, and they could opt to hold him out through Week 8 to give him three full weeks of rest ahead of their Week 9 bye. If that timeline holds, Egbuka’s earliest return would be in Week 10.

The Buccaneers faced a similar situation last season when Evans, Godwin, and their third receiver were all sidelined simultaneously. Tight end Cade Otton became a key target in their passing game then, and he could see a similar role again. However, from a fantasy perspective, Tampa Bay’s receiver situation is now one to avoid outside of Mayfield.

Evans is reportedly progressing but has yet to return to practice. Godwin, dealing with a fibula injury, is also expected to miss additional time. That leaves the Buccaneers offense thin as they continue their push in the NFC South.

Emeka Egbuka’s injury is a significant setback for Tampa Bay’s receiving corps. If he remains sidelined through the bye week, his return in Week 10 could be crucial for the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes and his pursuit of Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Emeka Egbuka injury update?

Emeka Egbuka suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 against the 49ers and was ruled doubtful to return. He is expected to miss at least one game.

Q2: When will Emeka Egbuka return to the Buccaneers lineup?

The Buccaneers may hold Egbuka out until after their Week 9 bye, meaning he could return in Week 10 if recovery goes well.

Q3: How has Egbuka performed in his rookie season?

Egbuka ranked eighth in WR Impact and averaged 11.7 yards per target through his first five games, placing him among the top rookie receivers in NFL history.

Q4: How does Egbuka’s injury affect the Buccaneers’ offense?

With Evans, Godwin, and now Egbuka out, Tampa Bay’s wide receiver depth chart is depleted, forcing reliance on backup receivers and tight end Cade Otton.

Q5: Who replaces Egbuka in the Buccaneers WR rotation?

Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and Ryan Miller are expected to rotate in the absence of Tampa Bay’s top three receivers.