Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka isn’t on the board with a reception yet as the Buccaneers hold a 13-7 lead over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Egbuka has had a pretty solid rookie season for the Buccaneers, but it’s been a slow start so far on a rainy, wet day in Tampa.
What’s Happening With Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka?
In the first half, Egbuka was targeted twice by quarterback Baker Mayfield, but he failed to record a reception as Tampa Bay led 13-7 at halftime.
Mayfield has been connecting with some of his wide receivers, including this nifty pass to wide receiver Mike Evans.
Baker drops it in to Evans for 21 yards
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When Mayfield has gotten time, he’s found Evans and Cade Otton open, and the latter caught a touchdown pass in the first half.
At this point, there’s no indication that Egbuka is injured at all. Look for him to get more involved in the Buccaneers’ offense as the game rolls along.
According to the PFSN NFL WR Impact Metric, Egbuka has an impact score of 74.8 and grades out to a C. Entering Saturday’s game against the Panthers, he had 62 catches for 930 yards and six touchdown receptions. The rookie out of Ohio State, who was the 19th overall pick, is averaging 15.0 yards per catch this season.
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Entering Saturday’s home game, the Buccaneers were 7-9 and trying to find a way to get into the NFL postseason picture in a big way. Carolina came in 8-8 and was looking to sew up the NFC South Division title.
Egbuka and the Buccaneers’ offense will have to wait to get back on the field with the ball. The Panthers will receive the second-half opening kickoff. But Egbuka probably hopes that when he is targeted again by Mayfield, he’ll be able to make a couple of catches and make a difference.
Time is of the essence, though, for Egbuka, Mayfield, and the Buccaneers’ offense. It needs to find another gear against the Panthers’ defense despite the soggy conditions at Raymond James Stadium. The star rookie needs to really just show out for Tampa Bay in a big game.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
