Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka Injury Update

The Bucs had a brief scary moment during Wednesday’s joint training camp practice with the Jets as second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka went to the ground and then was heavily limping after a play. Egbuka went in motion on the right side of the offensive line and had an end around as quarterback Baker Mayfield handed him the football and he ran to the left side of the line of scrimmage.

It was a short gain as Egbuka was met and wrapped up by several Jets defenders. After the play was done, it appeared as if Egbuka maybe turned his ankle or did something to his leg during the run. He eventually limped off to the sidelines, getting medical attention by trainers. While he didn’t have to go back inside to the locker room, Egbuka was done for the day.

Following practice, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles did not have an immediate update about Egbuka’s status as he happened to be on the other field looking at the defense when the injury occurred.

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka Has A Toe Injury

A little later after practice, Bucs running back Bucky Irving sat down with Mike Garafolo and Maurice Jones-Drew of the NFL Network. While most of the interview was of course about Irving, they did ask him if he knew anything about Egbuka’s injury. While Irving is a very talented running back, he is not a doctor or medical professional. With that said, Irving mentioned it was a toe injury for Egbuka and did state: “I think he’s pretty good. He just got rolled over on.”

Later on in the evening, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times had more of an update, reporting that it is in fact a toe sprain for Egbuka. The length or severity of the injury has not been declared yet and it unknown if he will miss any practice time.

No incumbent starters were going to play in the Bucs’ Friday night preseason game at the Jets in MetLife Stadium. This will give Egbuka four days off until Tampa Bay resumes practice back at home on Monday. There’s still exactly one month before the beginning of the season, so the Bucs need to make sure they take their time with this, much like they’re doing with Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs.

The Bucs have seen injuries hit the wide receiver room. Tez Johnson is out with a groin injury while David Sills V has a knee issue. Jalen McMillan has been practicing through a knee injury, but only participating in individual drills without getting in on any 11-on-11 team drills. And with 30-year old veteran Chris Godwin Jr. getting scheduled days off, it makes Tampa Bay light at the position.

Luckily, the Bucs have seen other players step up with more opportunities to play, especially in Wednesday’s joint practice. Ted Hurst III was the focal point of the offense in the two-minute drill, making two catches and drawing a very significant pass interference penalty to put Tampa Bay near the goal line and scoring two plays later. Dennis Houston was also making plays and helped set up the scoring drive in Egbuka’s absence.

There’s no doubt that Egbuka will be an important factor for the long haul of the Bucs’ season. Pewter Report will continue to monitor his situation and provide updates when more information comes about.