Buccaneers Receive Encouraging Update on Two Injured Receivers

The Buccaneers finally received some encouraging news regarding two of their most important young receivers. Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan both returned to the practice field Monday after spending several weeks dealing with injuries.

Egbuka has been working through a toe injury, while McMillan continues his recovery from a knee issue. Their injuries have limited their opportunities to practice, but neither receiver has missed a regular-season game.

Both players had been making a strong impression before their respective injuries. With the season opener now just six days away, getting them back on the field provides Tampa Bay with an important boost.

Bowles Encouraged by Their Return

The Buccaneers held a “bonus” practice Monday, giving Egbuka and McMillan their first opportunity to get back into the mix. Their participation does not guarantee either receiver will be ready for the opener, but their progress is certainly trending in the right direction.

Head coach Todd Bowles said the two receivers looked comfortable enough during their first work back on the field.

“They got their first taste out there,” said Bowles following Monday’s practice. “We’ll see how the week goes but they ran around pretty good today.”

Injury Status Remains Unclear

There won’t be an official answer regarding their practice status until Wednesday. Tampa Bay does not have to release its first official injury report until then, so there is no designation indicating whether either player was a full or limited participant Monday.

For now, the Buccaneers have to be encouraged by seeing both players back in action. Another productive week could put Egbuka and McMillan in a much better position heading into the regular-season opener.