By admin 
There is a major positive sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka but it does not by itself guarantee everything. Egbuka suffered a toe sprain during Tampa Bay’s joint practice with the New York Jets on August 12. He did not practice for multiple weeks afterward, putting his Week 1 status in doubt.
Read more More than just a coaching tree: Why Sean McVay is so good at forging NFL coaches
Head coach Todd Bowles initially described the injury as day-to-day or week-to-week, rather than giving a firm timetable. That uncertainty mattered because Egbuka entered his second season as one of Tampa Bay’s most important offensive pieces. However, Egbuka’s Monday return is the biggest positive update yet. The return does not officially lock Egbuka into the starting lineup, but it puts him in a much better position to play Sunday.
Week 1 against Cincinnati suddenly looks much more manageable for the Buccaneers. Having Egbuka back gives Baker Mayfield another reliable target in an offense that lost Mike Evans during the offseason. Egbuka was not simply a promising rookie in 2025; he became one of Tampa Bay’s most productive pass catchers. He finished with 63 receptions, 938 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 127 targets. His 14.9 yards per reception showed that he could make plays beyond short-area targets.
Cincinnati added major pieces to its front, including Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen, so Tampa Bay needs as many reliable receiving options as possible.
Buccaneers get More Injury Help Before Bengals Opener
Jalen McMillan also returned to practice Monday after missing multiple weeks with a knee injury. Like Egbuka, he was expected to be one of Tampa Bay’s three starting receivers. His return means the Bucs could potentially enter Week 1 with their preferred receiver group of McMillan, Chris Godwin and Egbuka.
Sean Tucker was not on the field Monday, unlike Egbuka, McMillan and linebacker Christian Rozeboom. Tucker is dealing with an undisclosed injury, so there is not yet a firm timetable for his return. His status should become clearer once the Buccaneers release their official Wednesday injury report.
Mayfield’s new deal adds another storyline. Tampa Bay removed one major offseason distraction Tuesday by agreeing with Mayfield on a three-year, $165 million extension. The deal runs through the 2029 season and makes Mayfield the highest-paid player in franchise history. Mayfield threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025, while also rushing for a career-high 382 yards.
The Bucs now have their quarterback locked up, while Egbuka and McMillan appear to be trending toward playing in Week 1.
Read more Wobbled after rocky win, No. 6 Oregon dives into Oklahoma State
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 2:21 AM.