Latest News
Filter by Team
QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news |
Buccaneers | Bowles: Bucs need to 'find a way to split the three backs', Tucker to 'earn a few reps' Mon Oct 5, 03:47 PM
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said the team needs to get RB Sean Tucker more involved after his two-yard touchdown run and fourth-down conversion in Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Packers. "He needs to earn a few reps. I mean, we've got to find a way to split the three backs kind of... it doesn't have to be equally, but, you know, a hot hand should be able to ride a little bit longer," Bowles said.
| Footballguys view: RB Bucky Irving started, led the team with 61 rushing yards and played 37 of 63 offensive snaps, while RB Kenny Gainwell played 27 snaps with three handoffs and caught a touchdown pass, and Tucker played three snaps, carrying three times for 10 yards. Irving is likely to remain the lead back as long as he's healthy, but it sounds like a shift in approach is coming. |
Kenny Gainwell player page
Sean Tucker player page
Bucky Irving player page
Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. has a fractured rib that will keep him out for 2-to-4 weeks, head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday.
| Footballguys view: Winfield, a Pro Bowler last season, has 24 total tackles and one QB hit this season. Bowles also said LB SirVocea Dennis is still undergoing tests on his ankle injury to determine its severity. Tampa Bay visits the Cowboys on Thursday night in Week 5. |
Antoine Winfield Jr player page
Buccaneers rookie QB Jalon Daniels will make his second career start Thursday night at Dallas in Week 5, head coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Packers.
| Footballguys view: "Yeah, he'll be the quarterback Thursday night," Bowles said. "He had some ups and he had some downs, but for his first time out there, he didn't panic... He escaped, used his legs well at times." Daniels threw two interceptions and a touchdown pass to RB Kenny Gainwell and added 55 rushing yards in his debut start, while QB Baker Mayfield (dislocated right thumb) is expected to miss at least two more games. |
Jalon Daniels player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka caught 2 passes for 13 yards on 4 targets in Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He was projected for 8.6 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 2.3.
| Footballguys view: Jalon Daniels actually kept the Bucs competitive down to the end in this game, but he wasn't a consistently effective passer, so Egbuka's stat line was anemic. The Bucs play the loose Cowboys pass defense on Thursday, but Egbuka is only a what-the-heck flex. If you have Egbuka, hope for Baker Mayfield to be able to return in Week 7 after some positive reports about his recovery from a dislocated thumb. |
Emeka Egbuka player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield is scheduled to have stitches removed from his injured thumb on Monday, which is an important step in his recovery. Mayfield is pushing to beat the three-week timeline for his return.
| Footballguys view: The Buccaneers ruled Mayfield out on Friday for Sunday's game against the Packers. That makes undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels their starter with Mayfield out. Pelissero reports Mayfield could return in Week 6. Stay tuned. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. is set to play against the Packers on Sunday. Godwin, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, returned to full practice on Thursday.
| Footballguys view: It's good to see Godwin back on the field and trending towards playing this week. However, he's averaging just 37 yards per game this year, and undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will be getting his first NFL start with Baker Mayfield out. Desperate managers might not have a better option than Godwin, but fantasy managers should bench him where they can. |
Chris Godwin Jr. player page
Yaya Diaby player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers. DE Rueben Bain Jr., CB Benjamin Morrison and TE Ko Kieft have also been ruled out. RB Bucky Irving, DE Yaya Diaby and LB Josiah Trotter will play.
| Footballguys view: Mayfield is expected to miss at least two weeks, and possibly more, as he manages his recovery from last week's dislocated thumb. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will make his first-ever start against the Packers this week. Given the uncertainty at quarterback, all of the Buccaneers' pass catchers should be docked slightly. Irving practiced every day this week and can be fired up as a high-end RB2. |
Bucky Irving player page
Rueben Bain Jr. player page
Ko Kieft player page
Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving (glute) was working at Friday's practice and "didn't seem to have any issues."
| Footballguys view: Irving has been limited throughout this week with a glute injury, but it's relieving to hear an optimistic report. Irving is PPR's RB15 through the first three weeks. If he's starting, get him in your lineup as a high-end RB2. |
Bucky Irving player page
Ko Kieft player page
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) was practicing on Thursday as the team worked in pads, after he did not practice on Wednesday. RB Bucky Irving (glute), who was limited on Wednesday, and DT Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (ankle/foot) were also practicing, as were LB Josiah Trotter and DE Yaya Diaby. Rookie DE Rueben Bain Jr. was working with a trainer, and CB Jacob Parrish was not seen.
Link to storyChris Godwin Jr. player page
Bucky Irving player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
| Footballguys view: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports an MRI revealed no ligament or tendon damage to Mayfield's dislocated thumb. Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles said Mayfield is looking at a minimum three-week absence. In the meantime, we'll see undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels against the Packers. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
| Footballguys view: Undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels is going to start for the Buccaneers with Baker Mayfield (thumb) out of action for a few weeks. At less than 100 percent, and with a backup quarterback tossing him the ball, we've got Godwin more in the deep (what the heck) flex range in Week 4. |
Chris Godwin Jr. player page
Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving (lower body) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
| Footballguys view: Irving should be out there against the Packers in Week 4. The team needs all the help they can get on offense with undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels set to start. We've got Irving as an RB2/flex option for Fantasy GMs in PPR leagues. |
Bucky Irving player page
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. ESPN lists an estimated return of November 22.
| Footballguys view: It's a PCL injury for McMillan, and he's expected to miss 6-8 weeks. McMillan has yet to play a full season in the NFL, and he's coming off a 2025 season where he missed all but four games. With zero catches this year in two games played, it's not like he's a big part of their offensive plan. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield is not going on injured reserve for now but will miss at least three weeks with his thumb injury.
| Footballguys view: An MRI showed no fracture and no ligament or tendon damage, so there's apparently some hope he can return more quickly than the timetable suggests. Rookie QB Jalon Daniels, an undrafted free agent from Kansas, will start Sunday's Week 4 game against the Packers. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan has a PCL sprain in his left knee, the same injury he suffered during training camp, a source said on Monday. The early thinking is that he could miss 6-8 weeks, a timetable that factors in his previous injury. A second opinion will provide clarity on the timeline.
| Footballguys view: That timetable makes it likely McMillan will do a stint on injured reserve. Of course, with Baker Mayfield expected to miss three weeks with a dislocated thumb, and undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels set to start at QB, there's no reason to look beyond Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. for now. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield will miss three weeks, head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. Mayfield hurt his thumb on Sunday, and X-rays showed no fracture. QB Jalon Daniels will get the nod as the starter in Mayfield's absence.
| Footballguys view: Daniels replaced Mayfield for the Buccaneers' final drive on Sunday and threw an interception on a last-gasp pass. The undrafted free agent out of Kansas beat out veteran Jake Browning in the preseason. Don't be surprised if Browning returns to provide depth. With Mayfield out, Footballguy Sigmund Bloom expects a lot of Bucky Irving and the running game to help Daniels get his feet under him against the Packers in Week 4. |
Jalon Daniels player page
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan will undergo an MRI on his left knee on Monday to determine the extent of his injury, per a source.
| Footballguys view: The MRI will determine whether it is a reaggravation of the knee issue he dealt with in camp or a new injury. McMillan was ruled out of Sunday's loss to the Vikings with the knee injury. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield had an ice pack on his right throwing hand in the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Vikings and did not speak to the media because of the injury.
| Footballguys view: A timetable for his recovery will not be determined until he undergoes an MRI on Monday. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier Sunday that Mayfield has a dislocated right thumb. The Buccaneers take on the Packers in Week 4. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield injured the right thumb on his throwing hand during Sunday's game against the Vikings. Mayfield was hurt in the fourth quarter. No further details on the severity of the injury were immediately available.
| Footballguys view: Mayfield was in great pain and there were reports of blood on his throwing hand, so this is probably a multi-week injury. Rookie UDFA Jalon Daniels will replace Mayfield for any games he misses. Green Bay is up next week, and we should expect a lot of Bucky Irving and the running game to help Daniels get his feet under him if it is indeed his first NFL start. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Vikings with a knee injury. McMillan was injured in the first quarter and had initially been listed as questionable to return.
| Footballguys view: It took McMillan over a month to rally from a knee injury suffered in camp, so this is immensely disappointing. Ted Hurst caught a 40-yard touchdown to open the scoring for the Bucs and should have close to a full-time role while McMillan is out. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) is listed as questionable on the Week 2 injury report. McMillan was a full participant in Saturday's practice.
| Footballguys view: McMillan has been trending toward playing in Week 2, and fully participating on Saturday is a great sign. After missing Week 1, McMillan is not on redraft fantasy radars at the moment (maybe as a super deep "what-the-heck" flex if you'd like). |
Jalen McMillan player page
According to Buccaneers.com, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Browns.
| Footballguys view: We'll hope for clarity on McMillan as we near kickoff. Luckily, the Buccaneers' games kick off early, giving fantasy managers plenty of options if he can't go. McMillan was inactive in Week 1, so few were relying on him in their lineups. If he can go, he's off the radar outside of the deepest leagues. If he can't, expect WR2/WR3 production from both Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Tampa Bay RB Bucky Irving carried the ball eight times for 45 yards and a touchdown, and caught all seven targets for 48 yards. He also lost a fumble. Kenny Gainwell got five carries for 15 yards and caught his only target for three yards.
| Footballguys view: All of the talk of Gainwell being a big part of the passing game and red zone offense after the Bucs paid him like a key member of the backfield evaporated once this game got underway. Irving was the lead back, scoring the only running back rushing score, and he also dominated running back targets and reminded everyone that he is a good receiving back in his own right. Gainwell was drafted to be a flex play, but we'll have to see if he can bounce back against Cleveland in Week 2. If not, he might not even be worth carrying in short bench leagues. |
Kenny Gainwell player page
Bucky Irving player page
Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said that WR Emeka Egbuka will be "full go" for Sunday's season opener at Cincinnati.
| Footballguys view: Egbuka has practiced fully all week after suffering a toe injury a few weeks ago. There's been much speculation about the extent of the injury, with fantasy managers fearing a dreaded turf toe designation. A week of full practice and a vote of confidence from Todd Bowles should quell concerns. With Mike Evans out of Tampa Bay, Egbuka will have a chance to operate as the team's top target. How he and Chris Godwin operate alongside each other this year is yet to be seen, but Egbuka can be started as a WR2 against the soft Bengals pass defense. |
Emeka Egbuka player page
Tampa Bay WR Jalen McMillan (knee) and RB Sean Tucker (hamstring) are doubtful for Week 1 at Cincinnati. Head coach Todd Bowles said neither had a setback with their injuries, but that it is just where they are in their recovery. McMillan has missed a month since "banging knees" in practice.
| Footballguys view: After a promising rookie season, McMillan missed most of Year 2, playing in just four games at the end of the season. An unfortunate knee injury in training camp will likely cause him to miss the start of this season as well. He logged limited practices this week, which may indicate a return to play soon. His absence will allow the passing attack to focus on Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, while rookie Ted Hurst III will serve as the third option. Tucker did not practice to start the week but returned in a limited fashion on Thursday, potentially indicating a return next week. He was expected to be in a reserve role in the backfield. With him most likely out, expect the majority of the touches to be split between Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. Week 1 usage will hopefully give us a clearer picture of this murky backfield. |
Sean Tucker player page
Jalen McMillan player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) was limited on Wednesday.
| Footballguys view: McMillan should be out there against the Bengals on Sunday. We've got him as a WR5/deep flex in Week 1 as he's a little banged up dealing with this knee injury, and McMillan is behind Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka in the pecking order. |
Rick Stroud, from the Tampa Bay Times, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka appears to be fine as he continues to deal with his toe problem.
| Footballguys view: Egbuka was out there practicing on Wednesday as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup against the Bengals. This game could be a high-scoring event, so Egbuka will be in nearly everyone's fantasy lineup. We like him as a low-end WR2 with upside in Week 1. |
Emeka Egbuka player page
Following up on an earlier item, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and the Bucs struck a deal on a contract extension. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network Ian Rapoport on Tuesday that it's a three-year extension worth $165 million.
| Footballguys view: Deals get done at deadlines, and with the regular season upon us the Buccaneers decided to finalize a deal with their quarterback. Mayfield is now under contract through his age-34 season. He gives the Buccaneers a solid starter they can rely on as they try to win their division. Mayfield is a QB2 with upside in Week 1 against the Bengals. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Two-time Pro Bowl selection Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers reached agreement today on a three-year contract extension that will prevent the quarterback from becoming a free agent after this season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
| Footballguys view: Mayfield had broken off talks as camp opened, but with the regular season kicking off this week, a deal has been revisited and now struck. It's not going to have a fantasy impact in the short term, but it's fair to wonder if Mayfield playing with his next payday on the line wouldn't have been more ideal for our purposes. Nonetheless, it's a done deal, and Mayfield is tied to the Bucs through 2029. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Head coach Todd Bowles won't disclose Sean Tucker's injury because he doesn't have to, but said he will be a game-time decision Sunday as he works his way back.
| Footballguys view: The Buccaneers will have to reveal the issue on Wednesday when they file their first official injury report of the season. The Buccaneers already have their top two running backs established with Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell occupying the top spots. If Tucker cannot play, Josh Williams would be next in line for opportunities in the backfield. |
Link to message board thread
Sean Tucker player page
Bucs WRs Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan were on the practice field Monday. RB Sean Tucker was not.
| Footballguys view: Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters last week that Egbuka and McMillan were "headed in the right direction" as they deal with their respective injuries. Egbuka has been dealing with a toe injury, while McMillan has a knee injury. Running back Tucker, however, is dealing with an undisclosed injury. The Buccaneers will play the Bengals in Cincinnati to open the season on Sunday. The first injury report of the week for the contest is due out on Wednesday. |
Jalen McMillan player page
Emeka Egbuka player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka (toe) worked to the side of practice on Wednesday.
| Footballguys view: Egbuka is practicing on the side, and that's a start when it comes to this lingering toe injury. We'll see if he can get back out there next week fully participating as the team prepares for their Week 1 game against the Bengals. |
Emeka Egbuka player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Josh Williams, WR Dean Patterson, WR Eric Rivers, WR Garrett Greene, WR Matthew Henry, TE Devin Culp and TE Kenny Fletcher Jr. were waived Sunday, Aug. 30.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers WR David Sills (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Sunday, Aug. 30, but he is eligible to return.
Link to storyDavid Sills V player page
Sean Tucker agreed to take a pay cut down to $2.5 million from his $3.5 million RFA tender to stay with the Buccaneers.
| Footballguys view: He'll be the #3 back, and with a $2.5 million salary, he won't be a mere "in case of emergency break glass" back. There was some talk that UDFA Josh Williams was pushing Tucker for a job, but Tucker's willingness to take a pay cut (and add some incentives to his contract) made up the team's mind for them. This could be a slight ding to Bucky Irving's upside if the Zac Robinson's staff uses Irving as a goal-line back like Josh Grizzard's did. |
Sean Tucker player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jalon Daniels will serve as the club's No. 2 quarterback behind QB Baker Mayfield, following the release of QB Jake Browning Sunday, Aug. 30, according to multiple sources.
| Footballguys view: Daniels went undrafted in April, but he was a favorite of legendary NFL film guru Greg Cosell. He's worth monitoring, if not outright adding in superflex dynasty leagues with Baker Mayfield not under contract next year. Daniels has enough athleticism to add value as a runner, and the Bucs have a terrific young core at wide receiver. |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jake Browning was released Sunday, Aug. 30.
Link to storyJake Browning player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jha'Quan Jackson was waived, according to a source on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers CB Keionte Scott (ankle) is dealing with a sprained ankle but should be fine moving forward, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers DE Mohamed Kamara (knee) has a sprained knee and is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers RB Barika Kpeenu was waived Saturday, Aug. 29.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers QB Connor Bazelak was waived Saturday, Aug. 29.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers LB Mohamed Kamara (knee) suffered a knee injury during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday, Aug. 28, according to head coach Todd Bowles
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers S Keionte Scott (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday, Aug. 28, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers S Xavier Williams (hip) suffered a hip injury during the preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, and is considered questionable to return.
Link to storyXavier Williams player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Dennis Houston (groin) was moved to the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, Aug. 27, after clearing waivers.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Jha'Quan Jackson (Texans) signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wednesday, Aug. 26. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived WR Dennis Houston (groin) with an injury designation.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers DE Rueben Bain Jr. (shoulder) suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but it not serious, nor expected to keep him from playing in Week 1.
Link to storyTampa Bay Buccaneers DL Deshawn McKnight (hamstring) was placed on the reserve/injured list, according to a source on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The Buccaneers also waived RB Kadarius Calloway (undisclosed) with an injury settlement.
Link to storyFree agent WR Matthew Henry (49ers) signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Link to story






























