season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-injury-woes-force-bucs-play-makeshift-o-line-texans');   ga('set', 'title', 'Injury woes could force Buccaneers to play makeshift o-line vs. Texans');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Luke-Goedeke-and-Cody-Mauch.jpg"><figcaption>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Injury woes could force Buccaneers to play makeshift o-line vs. Texans</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-12T12:31:59-07:00">September 12th, 12:31pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-12T12:31:59-07:00">September 12th, 12:31pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/buccaneers-vs-texans-bold-predictions-week-2-2025-nfl-season">Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to advance to a 2-0 record</a> when they take on the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football.” However, it appears the club is experiencing injury woes on the offensive line that could spell trouble for quarterback Baker Mayfield.</p><p>Right tackle Luke Goedeke missed practice again on Friday, and it sounds like the Buccaneers may be forced to <a href="https://x.com/NFLSTROUD/status/1966525373941711195" rel="noopener">utilize a makeshift offensive line</a>, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. It’s said that right guard Cody Mauch could be the only offensive lineman who will be playing his original position on Monday night.</p><p>“Not a good sign for the Bucs’ makeshift offensive line. RT Luke Goedeke is not practicing again today. Charlie Heck could get the start at RT. That would mean only RG Cody Mauch would be in his original position in the OLine Monday night. Still several days to go.”</p><p>With Heck potentially in line to start at right tackle, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1">the Buccaneers could be in serious trouble</a> on the offensive line. Due to the injuries the team is experiencing right now, Tampa Bay may have to sign players off the practice squad or free agency just to have some backup options for the trenches.</p><p>Goedeke, who is 26 years old, suffered an ankle injury in the Buccaneers’ season-opening 23-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs is another offensive lineman who is struggling with injury woes as well. Wirfs is working his way back from a knee injury he originally sustained in the 2024-25 season. He was forced to undergo surgery on the knee in July.</p><p>It’s a less-than-ideal situation for Tampa Bay, but the good news is that it’s still early in the season. There is still plenty of time for the Buccaneers’ offensive line to get healthy as the season progresses. Having some of the starters return to action within the next couple of weeks would be a major benefit to Mayfield and the offense.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Injury woes could force Buccaneers to play makeshift o-line vs. Texans

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-godwin-next-step-recovery-week-2');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin takes next step in recovery ahead of Week 2');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Chris-Godwin.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin takes next step in recovery ahead of Week 2</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-11T09:11:41-07:00">September 11th, 9:11am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-11T09:11:41-07:00">September 11th, 9:11am</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have found a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/rethinking-buccaneers-emeka-egbukas-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-chances-after-stellar-nfl-debut">premier offensive weapon in rookie Emeka Egbuka</a>. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-rumors-chris-godwins-injury-return-target-date-revealed">when fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin makes his return</a> to the gridiron, the Buccaneers’ offense will only be more dynamic.</p><p>Godwin took a <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1966154914566152679" rel="noopener">giant step towards making that return</a>, as he is expected get in a limited practice on Thursday, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. While he still has a ways to go before actually suiting up, it’s at least a sign that Godwin is getting closer.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good news for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucs</a>: Star WR Chris Godwin is expected to practice today for the first time and he’ll be limited. Part of his return to play process, but a very good sign. <a href="https://t.co/YBq4HEFGt1">pic.twitter.com/YBq4HEFGt1</a></p><p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1966154914566152679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Godwin is making his way back from offseason ankle surgery. He and the team are targeting a Week 5 return date, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1964712951191064645" rel="noopener">although they could wait</a> until Week 7, via Rapoport. Ultimately, the Buccaneers want to ensure Godwin is fully healthy before making his return. Before his ankle issues, the receiver tore his ACL in 2021.</p><p>When on the field though, Godwin has been a crucial contributor to the Buccaneers. Since joining the team in 2017, he has caught 579 passes for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns. The receiver is a former Pro Bowl bower and is a member of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl winning team in 2021.</p><p>Egbuka’s emergence could change Godwin’s role slightly in 2025. However, the team signed him to a three-year, $66 million extension prior to the season. Joining Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, when he returns from injury, the Buccaneers are hoping Godwin helps Tampa Bay host one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.</p><p>The Bucs will continue to stay cautious with Godwin and work him back from his injury at his speed. But as he gets closer to his return, Tampa Bay is salivating at the idea of what their offense can look like.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin takes next step in recovery ahead of Week 2

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/buccaneers-vs-texans-bold-predictions-week-2-2025-nfl-season');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers vs. Texans bold predictions for Week 2 of 2025 NFL season');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-vs-Texans-bold-predictions-for-Week-2-of-2025-NFL-season.jpg?w=1024"></figure><h1>Buccaneers vs. Texans bold predictions for Week 2 of 2025 NFL season</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-10T18:03:02-07:00">September 10th, 6:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-10T18:03:02-07:00">September 10th, 6:03pm</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/jordan.llanes">Jordan Llanes</a>Jordan Llanes is a sports writer and reporter based in Florida. In addition to ClutchPoints, he writes for a few other publications covering the NFL, college sports and Tottenham Hotspur. When he's not writing, Jordan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, cats, family and friends, as well as catching the latest TV shows and movies, and traveling.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Texans</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Week 2 will feature the first Monday Night Football doubleheader. In the opening contest, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-long-places-tampa-bay-in-super-bowl-conversation">Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel</a> to Texas to take on the Houston Texans. Each team got off to a different start in Week 1. The Buccaneers travelled to division rival Atlanta and defeated the Falcons 23-20. Tampa Bay exorcised the demons from its 2024 NFC South title run when they lost to the Falcons twice.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/houston-texans/texans-most-blame-close-week-1-loss-rams">the Texans travelled west</a> to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Many expected a strong offensive showing from both teams, considering the talent that each unit had. Instead, it was a defensive struggle. While Houston’s defense held up its end of the bargain, quarterback C.J Stroud and the offense struggled in a 14-9 loss.</p><p>Now, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/houston-texans/texans-news-cj-stroud-drops-truth-bomb-on-houstons-offseason-progress">Texans will need to focus</a> on stopping a division-winning football team. The Bucs are going for their fifth straight NFC South crown. If Houston can’t bring their A-game on Monday Night Football, there’s a strong chance that Tampa Bay will come to NRG Stadium and tame the home crowd. Houston’s defense will need to pitch another excellent outing for the Texans to claim their first victory in 2025. Can Houston come together in all three phases and defend their home turf against the visiting Buccaneers?</p><h2><b>Texans’ pass rush led by Danielle Hunter torments Buccaneers’ O-Line</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Texans-EDGE-Danielle-Hunter.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>After eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/houston-texans/grading-danielle-hunters-2-year-49-million-contract-with-texans">Hunter joined the Texans</a> last offseason. In his first season with Houston, Hunter once again notched double-digit sacks with 12. It was his sixth season of double-digit takedowns. The veteran also played in all 17 games for the third straight season. On Monday night against a potentially reshuffled Buccaneers’ offensive line, Hunter will sack Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield three times, including twice in an explosive first half.</p><p>Hunter and fellow edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will cause <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1">mayhem for the Buccaneers’ bookends.</a> If Graham Barton once again plays left tackle on Sunday in place of injured All-Pro Tristan Wirfs, Hunter will be licking his chops. Look for the veteran to have a vintage game, while Anderson Jr. pitches in two sacks and a couple of pressures of his own. Will it be enough to limit the Bucs’ offense under the bright lights of Monday night?</p><h2><b>Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield leads second-half comeback</b></h2><p>After Hunter, Anderson Jr., and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/houston-texans/texans-news-will-anderson-jr-makes-texans-history-disappointing-titans-loss">the Texans’ pass rush feast</a> on the Buccaneers’ offensive line in the first half, the Texans will head into the locker room leading 14-6. Mayfield is sacked five times. Three of those takedowns lead to an offensive drive ending. Kicker Chase McLaughlin makes two field goals, one from a short distance and another from 45 yards, to keep the Bucs within a single score.</p><p>At halftime, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard adjusts the game plan, allowing the veteran signal caller more freedom at the line. Mayfield and the offense start the second half off hot, marching down the field in eight plays to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. The third quarter ends after the Texans and Buccaneers exchange touchdown drives, heading into the final frame at 21 points apiece. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-todd-bowles-100-real-on-bucs-narrow-road-loss-to-texans">Will the Buccaneers escape Houston</a> with a win, or can the Texans clinch their first victory of 2025?</p><h2><b>Buccaneers rookie Emeka Egbuka snags game-winner for 2nd straight week</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-WR-Emeka-Egbuka.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>A 21-21 tie will give way to the Texans taking a 24-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Once again, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/houston-texans/texans-news-demeco-ryans-sends-fired-up-message-ahead-of-week-1">Texans’ pass rush will cause</a> some issues, but a renewed focus on the quick passing game and delayed handoffs to running back Bucky Irving consistently stings Houston’s defense. The Buccaneers almost convert a fourth down that would allow them to at least tie the game, but fall short.</p><p>Yet, Tampa Bay’s defense holds firm. They limit Stroud and the passing game, as safety Antoine Winfield Jr. follows up an excellent opener versus the Falcons with an even better outing in Space City. With a little over a minute left in the game, Mayfield and Irving team up with rookie Emeka Egbuka to methodically take down the Texans’ defense. On third and goal from the four-yard line, Mayfield throws a dart to a diving Egbuka for the game-winning touchdown. Once again, the growing connection between the veteran quarterback and rookie target pays off nicely. A 2-0 start will go a long way towards <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/fantasy-sports/buccaneers-news-espn-insider-emeka-egbuka-fantasy-football-tip">helping the Buccaneers retain</a> their NFC South title once again.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers vs. Texans bold predictions for Week 2 of 2025 NFL season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-long-places-tampa-bay-in-super-bowl-conversation');   ga('set', 'title', 'Chris Long place Buccaneers in Super Bowl conversation');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Baker-Mayfield.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Chris Long place Buccaneers in Super Bowl conversation</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-09T15:30:52-07:00">September 9th, 3:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-09T15:33:53-07:00">September 9th, 3:33pm</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-todd-bowles-delivers-message-after-thrilling-falcons-game">Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons</a>, 23-20, last Sunday afternoon, the football world has been hyping up the team regarding what they accomplish this season. With the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbukas-shooting-to-kill-mic-drop-week-1-heroics">Buccaneers led by the heroics of Emeka Egbuka</a>, former player Chris Long would go as far as to say that the team should be in the conversation to win the Super Bowl.</p><p>Long spoke to Rich Eisen on his self-titled show, where he spoke about predicting Tampa Bay to contend for the Super Bowl before the regular season started. Despite them not being a big-market team, he would go into how injuries plagued them last season and how they <a href="https://x.com/ESPNNFL/status/1965492584995864715" rel="noopener">“quietly go so much better.”</a></p><p>“I did put the Bucs in the Super Bowl this year before the season started, because I just think they quietly got so much better,” Long said. “They got a lot better on defense, I think, again, confirmation bias, we look at the Bucs last year, not a big market team, and we see them, you know, on red zone, or we catch little snippets of them. The Falcons score like 100 points in two games against them.”</p><p>“A lot of it’s because they had injuries,” Long continued. “And you think about the quarterback of your defense, Antoine Winfield, who’s fantastic, missing much of the year…SirVocea Dennis, they didn’t really have a pass rusher opposite Yaya Diaby. I think Kancey and Vea are fantastic inside. And they add Hasson Reddick.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">“I did put the [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] in the Super Bowl this year before the season started.”</p><p>Chris Long has the Buccaneers as one of the teams on his list to reach the Super Bowl this season 👀</p><p>Stream the <a href="https://twitter.com/RichEisenShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichEisenShow</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DisneyPlus</a> and the ESPN App. <a href="https://t.co/11wVMKMIwP">pic.twitter.com/11wVMKMIwP</a></p><p>— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/1965492584995864715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>Chris Long on the impact that Emeka Egbuka had on the Buccaneers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Emeka-Egbuka-celebrating.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>When <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-scores-1st-career-touchdown-dime-baker-mayfield">Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with Egbuka on his first touchdown</a> reception, it was just a taste of what’s to come for the team on the offensive side of the ball.</p><p>The rookie wide receiver would catch two touchdown passes in the contest, garnering the attention of Long, who spoke about how head coach Todd Bowles was “giddy” about the multiple moves made this offseason in the NFL Draft.</p><p>“I think that the key, though, is Todd Bowles was giddy this offseason,” Long said. “Talking about the two main corners that they were able to draft in Morrison and Parrish, and Parrish playing in the slot, and Parrish made a big play, knocking them out of field goal range. On Sunday, Morrison didn’t even play. So they have depth now. They also are like, yeah, we’ve got a bunch of great receivers, but we didn’t have all of them last year. Let’s go draft this Egbuka guy who scored two touchdowns for him on Sunday.”</p><p>Tampa Bay looks to be 2-0, as the team faces the Houston Texans next Sunday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Chris Long place Buccaneers in Super Bowl conversation

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbukas-shooting-to-kill-mic-drop-week-1-heroics');   ga('set', 'title', 'Emeka Egbuka’s ‘shooting to kill’ mic drop after Week 1 Buccaneers heroics');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Emeka-Egbuka-catching-and-running.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Emeka Egbuka’s ‘shooting to kill’ mic drop after Week 1 Buccaneers heroics</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T08:00:53-07:00">September 8th, 8:00am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-08T08:00:53-07:00">September 8th, 8:00am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did what every NFL team wants to do in Week 1. Tampa got a big win against a division rival, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-heroics-saved-by-falcons-field-goal-debacle">defeating Atlanta 23-20 on Sunday</a>. The headline of the game was the incredible play of one Buccaneers rookie who ended up making the difference in this one.</p><p>Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/week-1-nfl-takeaways-bills-comeback-packers-parsons" rel="noopener">dropped a bold statement</a> after the team’s big Week 1 victory.</p><p>“We weren’t going for a field goal—we are shooting to kill,” Egbuka told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer as he was leaving the stadium. “We’re playing for the touchdown. We ran that play a few times, but we didn’t have the right look, whether it was pressure or getting the ball out fast. So opposite hash on this one, Baker and I looked at each other in the huddle and …”</p><p>Egbuka was amazing in his NFL debut. The rookie receiver hauled in four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. That included a 25-yard touchdown that ended up deciding the game.</p><p>Of course, Tampa ended up needing more than Egbuka’s heroics to win the game. Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 44-yard field goal attempt that would have sent the game into overtime. Instead, it guaranteed Tampa’s victory.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/rethinking-buccaneers-emeka-egbukas-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-chances-after-stellar-nfl-debut">Egbuka is already receiving Offensive Rookie of the Year hype</a> after his strong Week 1 performance.</p><p>The Buccaneers will have a completely different offense if Egbuka becomes a superstar wide receiver.</p><h2><b>Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles’ loud message after Week 1 victory over Falcons</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-news-Todd-Bowles-delivers-loud-message-after-thrilling-Falcons-game.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was unusually excited after his team’s Week 1 victory.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-todd-bowles-delivers-message-after-thrilling-falcons-game">Bowles gave a passionate locker room speech</a> where he praised his team for the tough win.</p><p>“Guys, that’s a h*** of a job. Keep fighting now, I know it’s only your first game, and I’m not usually like this, but yeah!” Bowles exclaimed.</p><p>But then he went right back into coach mode. Bowles explained that the Buccaneers have not earned anything yet and need to keep fighting to win games.</p><p>“We got a long way to go,” Bowles added. “We understand that we fight like that, we’ll win most of our ball games. Guys, I will see you guys on Monday.”</p><p>At this point, the NFC South still looks like it runs through Tampa Bay.</p><p>Next up for the Buccaneers is a Monday Night Football matchup against the Texans in Week 2.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Emeka Egbuka’s ‘shooting to kill’ mic drop after Week 1 Buccaneers heroics

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-todd-bowles-delivers-message-after-thrilling-falcons-game');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles delivers loud message after thrilling Falcons game');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-news-Todd-Bowles-delivers-loud-message-after-thrilling-Falcons-game.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles delivers loud message after thrilling Falcons game</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T19:41:42-07:00">September 7th, 7:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T19:41:42-07:00">September 7th, 7:41pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have high morales after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/falcons-news-michael-penix-jr-backs-younghoe-koo-fatal-miss">getting past the Atlanta Falcons</a> in a 23-20 thriller.</p><p>Both teams exchanged blows throughout the course of the game. Tampa Bay possessed the lead as Atlanta had a field goal that could have the tied the score to force overtime. However, Younghoe Koo’s attempt went wide right as the Buccaneers got to have a sigh of relief with the miss.</p><p>Bowles <a href="https://x.com/Buccaneers/status/1964833625926410611" rel="noopener">talked to his team</a> about the win, as Tampa Bay posted video from the locker room. Safe to say, he had plenty of energy for his squad.</p><p>“Guys, that’s a h*** of a job. Keep fighting now, I know it’s only your first game, and I’m not usually like this, but yeah!” Bowles exclaimed.</p><p>“We got a long way to go. We understand that we fight like that, we’ll win most of our ball games. Guys, I will see you guys on Monday.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">KEEPING THIS ENERGY ALL SEASON 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/CJnK61ktww">pic.twitter.com/CJnK61ktww</a></p><p>— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buccaneers/status/1964833625926410611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>How Todd Bowles, Buccaneers played against Falcons</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-news-Todd-Bowles-delivers-loud-message-after-thrilling-Falcons-game-2.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It was a solid win for the Buccaneers to get over their division rival Falcons. Beating them on their own home field was the cherry on top.</p><p>Baker Mayfield did not have his best performance accuracy-wise but made plenty of plays down the stretch. He completed 17 passes out of 32 attempts for 167 yards and three touchdowns while making five rushes for 39 yards.</p><p>Bucky Irving led the run game as he ended the day with 14 carries for 37 yards while making four catches for eight yards and a touchdown. As for the receivers, Emeka Egbuka shined in his season debut with four receptions for 67 yards and two scores. Mike Evans came next with five catches for 51 yards while Sterling Shepard provided three receptions for 39 yards.</p><p>The Buccaneers will look forward to their next matchup, remaining on the road. They face the Houston Texans on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles delivers loud message after thrilling Falcons game

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/rethinking-buccaneers-emeka-egbukas-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-chances-after-stellar-nfl-debut');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rethinking the Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka’s Offensive Rookie of the Year chances after stellar NFL debut');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Emeka-Egbuka-is-off-to-a-sharp-start-in-his-NFL-career.jpg"><figcaption> Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Rethinking the Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka’s Offensive Rookie of the Year chances after stellar NFL debut</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T17:38:33-07:00">September 7th, 5:38pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T17:39:28-07:00">September 7th, 5:39pm</time><address><a>Steve Silverman</a>Steve Silverman has been covering the NFL for more than 35 years, and his writing has appeared in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly, and Forbes.com. He has written 10 books, including "Who's Better, Who's Best in the NFL." He has won multiple awards from the Pro Football Writers of America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Emeka Egbuka was a polished receiver throughout his spectacular career at Ohio State. He played with Jaxon Smith-Njigba during his college career and he also played with spectacular freshman Jeremiah Smith when he helped the Buckeyes win the national championship last year. Egbuka was not usually the headliner when playing for Ohio State, but he did everything right on the field.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-scores-1st-career-touchdown-dime-baker-mayfield">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> certainly noticed Egbuka and loved what they saw when they studied him in the weeks and months leading up to the draft. Despite a need on the defensive line, the Bucs used the No. 17 pick to select Egbuka.</p><p>Egbuka left Ohio State as the career receptions leader with 205 and he was second in career receiving yards with 2,868.<br>The 6-1, 205-pound wide out caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year.</p><h2><b>Egbuka has demonstrated to Bucs thathe belongs in the NFL </b></h2><p>If any of his new teammates questioned why general manager Jason Licht decided to bring Egbuka into the fold with such a valuable pick, they stopped asking about it in the early days of training camp. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1">The Buccaneers</a> veterans saw a mature player who went about his business quietly and performed like an accomplished professional. Instead of trying to make a name for himself so he would stand out, he quickly appeared to be a perfect fit for the system and a solid target for quarterback Baker Mayfield.</p><p>There were no nerves or anxiety that showed up in Tampa Bay’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Egbuka may have felt he was back at Ohio State and the Buckeyes were playing against a Mid-American Conference opponent like Miami of Ohio. He ran decisive routes through the Atlanta secondary and caught four of six targets for 67 yards and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772830">two touchdowns</a>. He led Tampa Bay in receiving, contributing more than superstar Mike Evans or Sterling Shepard in the 23-20 road victory.</p><p>He has made his first adjustment to the NFL and he looks like he will be able to contribute on an every-week basis. Instead of being a complementary player who works his way into the Tampa Bay game plan slowly, he looks like he will be a featured performer for Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles.</p><p>Don’t count out Egbuka making a strong run at the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.</p><h2><b>Competition for the OROY honors will be challenging</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ashton-Jeanty-is-the-key-to-the-Raiders-running-attack.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The rookie of the year award is not given out after the first week of play, and Egbuka will face plenty of competition. He will most likely face quite a bit of heat in the weeks to come when other rookies step forward.</p><p>Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders was selected with the No. 6 pick after his spectacular career at Boise State.<br>Jeanty is a running back who combines shocking strength with surprising speed. Those two characteristics give Jeanty power when he runs, and he could easily surpass 1,200 rushing yards this season.</p><p>The Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick in the first round. Loveland was a game-breaking pass catcher and playmaker during his college career at Michigan. Head coach Ben Johnson wants to see Loveland take on the same role with the Bears.</p><p>The Green Bay Packers have a potential gamebreaker in wideout Matthew Golden. The 5-11, 191-pound speedster from Texas has a chance to make big plays every week because he is one of the fastest receivers in the league.</p><p> </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rethinking the Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka’s Offensive Rookie of the Year chances after stellar NFL debut

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-heroics-saved-by-falcons-field-goal-debacle');   ga('set', 'title', 'Emeka Egbuka’s heroics saved by Falcons’ field goal debacle');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Emeka-Egbuka-celebrating.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Emeka Egbuka’s heroics saved by Falcons’ field goal debacle</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T14:28:46-07:00">September 7th, 2:28pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T14:28:46-07:00">September 7th, 2:28pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna is an Associate Editor covering the NFL and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned Emeka Egbuka into an immediate gameday hero. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-scores-1st-career-touchdown-dime-baker-mayfield">The rookie did more than score his first Bucs touchdown</a>. His heroics got saved by a botched field goal attempt by the Atlanta Falcons.</p><p>Younghoe Koo lined up for a 44-yard attempt to send the game into overtime. Koo misfired on the attempt — sealing the 23-20 win for Tampa. And ensuring Egbuka would dominate the postgame chatter.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">YOUNGHOE KOO MISSES THE KICK!!! <a href="https://t.co/HBNRmUrJbp">pic.twitter.com/HBNRmUrJbp</a></p><p>— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBrownPL/status/1964787467384697086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Ohio State standout snatched his first score with two defenders near him. Egbuka still split the deep coverage and scored during the third-and-two scenario.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">EMEKA EGBUKA. First career TD!</p><p>TBvsATL on FOX<a href="https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt">https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/05Q2Zo9VuV">pic.twitter.com/05Q2Zo9VuV</a></p><p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1964751484601708909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Egbuka wasn’t through after his “welcome to the NFL” moment. With trips to the right, Egbuka drew the one-on-one with the cornerback. He raced to the end zone and brought down his second TD.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">EMEKA EGBUKA. THE ROOKIE. AGAIN.</p><p>TBvsATL on FOX<a href="https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt">https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/pLyQEvaSG4">pic.twitter.com/pLyQEvaSG4</a></p><p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1964784487809847585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The national champion wide receiver garnered hefty praise after the Bucs’ road win. Including from the one handing him the ball.</p><h2>Emeka Egbuka ‘doesn’t play like a rookie,’ Buccaneers star says</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Emeka-Egbuka-catching-and-running.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Buccaneers team reporter Scott Smith <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/_vbYcvjV3xE?si=6pbomSuzj9LHQ-lE" rel="noopener">caught these words</a> coming from Baker Mayfield. Who worked with a slightly different looking offensive lineup.</p><p>“Baker Mayfield says Emeka Egbuka is ‘the real deal,’ total professional, doesn’t act or play like a rookie,” Smith said.</p><p>Mayfield entered the game <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1">with some offensive line changes on the Bucs</a>. Tight end<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-pass-catcher-groin-injury-falcons-game"> Cade Otton even was a pregame decision</a> as he dealt with a groin ailment.</p><p>Otton never caught a pass. Mayfield only threw the ball to five different receivers. Mike Evans led the way with five catches for 51 yards.</p><p>But again, Egbuka stole the show down in Atlanta. He ended his afternoon luring in four catches for 67 yards and crossing the end zone twice.</p><p>He sparked multiple reactions on the internet. Including from a familiar X account he knows well.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="hu">EMEKA. EGBUKA. 🗣️</p><p>— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioStateFB/status/1964784424995971455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Tampa even won with the offense mustering just 260 total yards on the day. Including 159 through the air. Yet still discovered a new breakout WR for Mayfield and the reigning NFC South champs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Emeka Egbuka’s heroics saved by Falcons’ field goal debacle

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-emeka-egbuka-scores-1st-career-touchdown-dime-baker-mayfield');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka scores 1st-career touchdown on dime from Baker Mayfield');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Egbuka-vs-the-Falcons.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka scores 1st-career touchdown on dime from Baker Mayfield</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T11:21:27-07:00">September 7th, 11:21am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T11:21:27-07:00">September 7th, 11:21am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University alum from Atlanta who graduated with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the road to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1">take on the Atlanta Falcons</a> in an NFC showdown to start off the new season for both teams. The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-rumors-chris-godwins-injury-return-target-date-revealed"> Buccaneers are looking</a> to extend their impressive streak of division titles against arguably their biggest competition in the division this year.</p><p>While they got off to a slow start on Sunday, relinquishing a Bijan Robinson touchdown on their first drive and going out twice in a row on offense. However, they eventually got things to click and ended up finding rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1964751484601708909" rel="noopener">an impressive touchdown</a> to give themselves a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">EMEKA EGBUKA. First career TD!</p><p>TBvsATL on FOX<a href="https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt">https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/05Q2Zo9VuV">pic.twitter.com/05Q2Zo9VuV</a></p><p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1964751484601708909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Egbuka was selected in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft out of Ohio State, where he became the school’s leading wide receiver of all time and also won a national championship last year, coincidentally in the same building where he scored his first NFL touchdown on Sunday.</p><p>Egbuka joins a talented group of Buccaneers wide receivers that includes future Hall of Famer Mike Evans as well as Chris Godwin, who will miss the beginning of this season as he recovers from injury.</p><p>Egbuka figures to give quarterback Baker Mayfield yet another weapon to find down the field as Tampa Bay looks to make it to another postseason appearance and this time, legitimately compete for a Super Bowl.</p><p>Last year, Tampa Bay won the division once again but bowed out to the Washington Commanders at home in the Wild Card round; however, the team was dealing with various injuries by the time that game rolled around, including to Godwin.</p><p>Now, Tampa Bay figures to be one of the more balanced teams on both sides of the ball in the NFL, and Egbuka’s infusion of talent should only help them reach their ultimate goal.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka scores 1st-career touchdown on dime from Baker Mayfield

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-eye-opening-offensive-line-changes-week-1');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers make eye-opening offensive line changes for Week 1');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-OL-Graham-Barton.jpg?w=1024"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers make eye-opening offensive line changes for Week 1</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T09:52:47-07:00">September 7th, 9:52am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T10:06:15-07:00">September 7th, 10:06am</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/jordan.llanes">Jordan Llanes</a>Jordan Llanes is a sports writer and reporter based in Florida. In addition to ClutchPoints, he writes for a few other publications covering the NFL, college sports and Tottenham Hotspur. When he's not writing, Jordan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, cats, family and friends, as well as catching the latest TV shows and movies, and traveling.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-vita-vea-gets-encouraging-update-before-falcons-showdown">Buccaneers will open their defense</a> of the NFC South crown Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Travelling to their closest division rival can be a tricky trip, as the Buccaneers have suffered their fair share of speed bumps in Atlanta. Winning at Mercedes Benz Stadium to open this season would be a big boost to Tampa Bay. However, that task just received an interesting wrinkle. Bucs GM Jason Licht revealed that the offensive line would receive a trio of changes in wake of left tackle Tristan Wirfs’ injury. The biggest among them is <a href="https://x.com/ScottSBucs/status/1964730099946913953" rel="noopener">shifting usual starting center</a> Graham Barton to left tackle, according to Buccaneers beat writer Scott Smith via X (formerly Twitter).</p><p>“General Manager Jason Licht just revealed on the Bucs’ radio pregame show that there will be some shifts on the offensive line,” reported Smith before the season opener. “Graham Barton will play left tackle, Ben Bredeson will play center, and Michael Jordan will play left guard.”</p><p>Two close losses to Atlanta last season were the major sticking points in a fourth straight <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons/falcons-news-darnell-mooney-officially-inactive-buccaneers">division crown for the Buccaneers.</a> Head coach Todd Bowles and his team are eager to put the ghosts of those 2024 defeats behind them. Meanwhile, the Falcons will look to exploit the same pressure points in this campaign’s matchups, beginning with Sunday’s opener. However, Tampa Bay is not the same team as least season. Can quarterback Baker Mayfield thrive behind a shuffled front five and trust the new unit to help him torch the Falcons in “Hot-lanta” Sunday afternoon?</p><h2><b>Buccaneers seek to capture fifth-straight NFC South title in 2025</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Buccaneers-OL-Ben-Bredeson-and-QB-Baker-Mayfield.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/tampa-bay-buccaneers-53-man-roster-predictions-for-2025-nfl-season">Barton and Bredeson’s positional changes,</a> Mayfield trusts them. The duo is usually at center and left guard, but it’s clear that the Buccaneers trust Bredeson to handle center and Barton to lock down left tackle. Both players have previous experience playing their new positions. However, it’s clear that Wirfs’ injury does hurt the Bucs, at least to an extent.</p><p>The All-Pro left tackle is likely the best player at his position in the NFL. Furthermore, he’s in his prime, and can play both tackle spots at least a Pro Bowl level. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-makes-tristan-wirfs-chris-godwin-injury-moves">Wirfs is incredibly valuable</a> to the Buccaneers. Yet, Mayfield and his new offensive line won’t use the absence of Wirfs as an excuse Sunday. The goal is to beat the Falcons and start 1-0. Can the Bucs get it done? Don’t count them out just yet.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers make eye-opening offensive line changes for Week 1

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-rumors-chris-godwins-injury-return-target-date-revealed');   ga('set', 'title', 'Buccaneers rumors: Chris Godwin’s injury return target date revealed');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Buccaneers-WR-Chris-Godwin-1.jpg"><figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Buccaneers rumors: Chris Godwin’s injury return target date revealed</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T09:05:27-07:00">September 7th, 9:05am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T09:05:27-07:00">September 7th, 9:05am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to start off the 2025 NFL season on a high note. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-falcons-bold-predictions-week-1-2025-nfl-season">Tampa faces off against Atlanta in Week 1</a> and has a chance to get an early division lead with a win. The team also received some positive injury news surrounding one of their best offensive players just hours before the season opener.</p><p>The Buccaneers will be without receiver Chris Godwin in Week 1 as he recovers from ankle surgery. But now there is an idea of when he will return.</p><p>The Buccaneers are reportedly hoping to get Godwin back in practice soon <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1964712951191064645" rel="noopener">with a targeted return</a> in Week 5, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He added that Weeks 6 or 7 could also be possible return dates for Godwin.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-godwin-gets-surprise-update-after-ankle-surgery">Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury</a> during Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Ravens. He has been rehabbing the injury ever since.</p><p>Despite the injury, Tampa made it a priority to keep Godwin around for the future. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-godwin-leaves-20-million-table-66-million-contract">Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million contract</a> with the Buccaneers at the start of NFL free agency this spring. He even left $20 million on the table, turning down lucrative offers from other teams to stay in Tampa.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-chris-godwin-to-be-activated-off-pup-list-but-a-catch">Tampa Bay activated Godwin off the PUP list</a> back in August just weeks before the regular season.</p><p>The Buccaneers will lean on Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Sterling Shepard with Godwin out for the first month of the season.</p><h2><b>Buccaneers keys to victory in Week 1 against the Falcons</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Buccaneers-Baker-Mayfield.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Buccaneers know the Falcons well as division rivals.</p><p>They also happen to match up well against Atlanta, which could result in fireworks in Week 1.</p><p>Tampa Bay has a stout run defense, headlined by huge defensive tackle Vita Vea. If the Buccaneers can find a way to slow down Bijan Robinson, the Falcons may not have an effective counterpunch.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Falcons only have a few known commodities on their young defense.</p><p>Buccaneers fans can expect Mayfield to diagnose very quickly whether the run or puss will be most effective against the Falcons. Once Tampa has that answer, they could start taking over this game.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/schedule">Buccaneers at Falcons kicks off at 1PM ET</a> on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Buccaneers rumors: Chris Godwin’s injury return target date revealed

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-vita-vea-gets-encouraging-update-before-falcons-showdown');   ga('set', 'title', 'Vita Vea and Buccaneers get encouraging update before Falcons showdown');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vita-Vea-waving-incomplete-.jpg"><figcaption>Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Vita Vea and Buccaneers get encouraging update before Falcons showdown</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-06T14:51:19-07:00">September 6th, 2:51pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-06T14:51:19-07:00">September 6th, 2:51pm</time><address><a>Lorenzo J Reyna</a>Lorenzo J Reyna is an Associate Editor covering the NFL and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints. He's equipped with past experience for both realms through his recent stops at Pro Football Network and Heavy while also writing for 247Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced not having prized defensive tackle Vita Vea for the season opener. With the All-Pro <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-vita-vea-practice-update-foot-injury">dealing with a foot ailment before the Atlanta Falcons showdown. </a></p><p>Fox NFL insider Jordan Schultz <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1964432660282917056" rel="noopener">dropped an update on that front Saturday</a>. Which presents an encouraging sign for the Bucs and Vea.</p><p>“Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea, listed as questionable (foot), is likely to play Sunday vs the Falcons,” Schultz posted on X (formerly Twitter).</p><p>Tampa won’t guarantee he’ll start, though. But will be suiting up per Schultz’ words.</p><p>“Vea, who missed two practices this week, could be on a pitch count, but I’m told should be a go assuming there are no setbacks,” Schultz said. </p><p>Vea for sure will strengthen the Bucs even if he’s not at full strength. He’s lauded across the league for his freakish blend of strength and pre-snap get-off.</p><h2>Buccaneers dealing with another pre-Falcons injury outside of Vita Vea</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vita-Vea-vs.-Steelers.jpg"><figcaption>Barry Reeger-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Tampa and head coach Todd Bowles is dealing with some early ailments before the season kicks off. Not just limited to the Super Bowl champion defender Vea.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-baker-mayfield-pass-catcher-groin-injury-falcons-game">Tight end Cade Otton is dealing with his own ailment</a>. Otton injured his groin in late August — but <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-tampa-bay-dealt-mixed-bag-on-wednesday-injury-report">surfaced on the Bucs’ injury report on Wednesday</a>.</p><p>Buccaneers insider for ESPN Jenna Laine provided an update on Otton Friday. Carrying big implications for the Buccaneers offense.</p><p>“Cade Otton had two full days of practice and isn’t even carrying an injury designation for Sunday, which is huge,” Laine posted on her X account.</p><p>Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield still has no shortage of weapons available for the 2025 season debut. Longtime leading wide receiver Mike Evans is ready to go. Emeka Egbuka earns a role as a prized rookie addition.</p><p>But Payne Durham could earn extensive snaps at TE if Otton isn’t cleared. As for Vea, he’ll share nose tackle duties with fellow veteran Greg Gaines.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
RECEPTIONS	RECEIVING YDS	TOUCHDOWNS	POSITION RANK
0	0	0	-

2025 SEASON STATS
RECEPTIONS	RECEIVING YDS	TOUCHDOWNS	POSITION RANK
0	0	0	-

Payne
Durham

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