The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be breathing a sigh of relief heading into their Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who was listed as questionable earlier this week with hip and groin injuries, is expected to suit up on Sunday.
After missing Wednesday’s practice, Egbuka was able to return in a limited capacity on Friday, a strong indication that he’ll be ready to go.
Emeka Egbuka’s Injury, Good to Go to Play Sunday
That’s welcome news for the Buccaneers, who have leaned heavily on the first-round pick through the opening two weeks of the season. Drafted 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Egbuka has wasted no time making his presence felt.
WR Emeka Egbuka is expected to play Sunday vs. Jets, per @JFowlerESPN 🙏 #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/HwCQVRNlri
— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) September 20, 2025
He already has three touchdown receptions in just two games, including clutch, go-ahead scores that helped Tampa Bay race out to a 2-0 start.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has found a quick connection with the rookie, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin still sidelined by an ankle injury, Egbuka has stepped into a bigger role alongside Mike Evans and handled the spotlight with poise.
His speed, sharp route-running, and knack for big-moment plays have made him one of the league’s early breakout stars.
Earlier in the week, there was real concern after Egbuka appeared on the injury report as “Did Not Practice.” He briefly left Monday night’s win against the Houston Texans to be examined on the sideline, and soft-tissue injuries like his can often linger.
But the fact that he returned Friday and looked comfortable enough to participate in drills suggests that the Buccaneers are managing his workload carefully rather than signaling a major setback.
Bucs Keeping Eye on Egbuka Against Jets
Tampa Bay will likely keep a close eye on Egbuka’s snap count and usage against the Jets, making sure they don’t risk aggravating the injury. Still, having him on the field at all is a huge boost for an offense that has thrived off his early production.
His ability to stretch defenses and create mismatches gives Mayfield another reliable option when the game is on the line.
After just two games in his rookie campaign, Egbuka has already begun to make an early case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. If he’s able to play through this minor injury and continue his hot start, the Buccaneers’ offense will remain one of the more intriguing storylines to watch as the season unfolds.
For now, all signs point to Egbuka suiting up against the Jets on Sunday. The Buccaneers hope he can keep his momentum rolling and help them improve their record to 3-0. The two squads will kick off on local FOX affiliates at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
