Emeka Egbuka injury update leaves Bucs with a massive problem

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Emeka Egbuka injury update leaves Buccaneers with a massive problem

By Ryan Stano | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 12:10 PM ET

Emeka Egbuka has already emerged as the best weapon that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have. The 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie from Ohio State has done everything Tampa Bay expected of him and more.

Egbuka has continued to make impressive plays every single week and has already taken the top receiver spot from Mike Evans. Unfortunately for Egbuka, he hurt his hamstring and had to be removed from Sunday's game against the 49ers.

NFL Network's Ian Rappaport gave an update on Egbuka, and it's not good news for the Buccaneers and what their offense will look like next week.

Emeka Egbuka's injury update creates an offensive problem for the Buccaneers in Week 7

While reporting on "Good Morning Football," Rapport gave an update on Egbuka's availability for next week and beyond.

From @GMFB: The #Chiefs get WR Rashee Rice back, the #Rams may be without Puka Nacua this week, while the #Bucs likely won’t have WR Emeka Egbuka vs the #Lions. pic.twitter.com/Cf4uPNaLgM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025

"My understanding is that it's not quite as serious as, say, Mike Evans. He is expected to miss some time. He is expected to miss this week."

The Buccaneers take on the Lions on "Monday Night Football" this week in a game that could be a shootout. Baker Mayfield won't have either of his top two targets for that game, which creates a major problem.

Tampa Bay will have to rely more on Bucky Irving and the run game against a very explosive Lions offense.. The Bucs are fighting with Detroit for the top overall seed in the NFC.

Egbuka's ability to get separation from tight coverage is going to be a critical loss for an offense that loves to throw the ball. If Egbuka misses more than just one week, it will throw a major wrench in Tampa Bay's offensive game plan.

Ryan Stano

Ryan Stano has been covering sports since 2017 with a focus on the NFL, NBA, and College Football. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, FanSided, and Yahoo. He is an Ohio State graduate with a passion for the Buckeyes, Indianapolis Colts, and Indiana Pacers.

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