Rookie Sensation Egbuka Sidelined by Hamstring Injury for Buccaneers

On October 13, 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced a significant setback as they prepared to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Star rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who had been a revelation for the team in his first six NFL games, was ruled out of the matchup due to a hamstring injury.

Egbuka, selected 19th overall by the Buccaneers in this year's draft, had quickly emerged as a valuable weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield. In his first six games, the young receiver had reeled in 27 passes for 469 yards, becoming a crucial part of the Buccaneers' offense.

However, the Buccaneers' offensive woes continued to mount, as they were already missing their top two wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as starting running back Bucky Irving. Egbuka's injury only added to the team's challenges, leaving them to rely on players like Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard, and the tight ends to step up in the passing game.

Despite the setbacks, the Buccaneers managed to take a 27-19 lead late in the third quarter, thanks to a 45-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Johnson. But the loss of Egbuka, a rising star, was a significant blow to the team's hopes of bouncing back from their early-season struggles.