The Bucs’ 20-19 win in Houston over the Texans on Monday Night Football was quite costly. There was plenty of bad injury news this week with three key starters heading to injured reserve, but there was some good news on Saturday as it was reported that Emeka Egbuka is expected to play on Sunday versus the Jets.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on X. Pewter Report confirmed the news on Saturday.
#Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka, who is questionable (hip, groin), is expected to play Sunday vs. #Jets, per sources.
The rookie has three touchdowns through two games.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 20, 2025
The only two players that are ruled out for Tampa Bay in Sunday’s Week 3 game are left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.
Bucs Get Good News About Emeka Egbuka
Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka suffered a hip and groin injury in Houston and was limited in the second half after scoring his third touchdown in two games to help Tampa Bay get out to an early 10-7 lead. Egbuka missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but returned to practice on Friday in a limited fashion.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was pleased with how Egbuka practiced on Friday.
“He’s questionable right now,” Bowles said. “We’ll see Sunday morning. We’ve got to see how he’s feeling after today.”
Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka and RG Cody Mauch – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Egbuka was feeling better on Saturday during the team’s walk through practice and is expected to play in Tampa Bay’s 2025 season opener against the winless New York Jets. The team’s first-round pick has eight catches for 96 yards (12 avg.) and three touchdowns, which leads the Buccaneers.
Egbuka has stepped up in the absence of the injured Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan.
It’s been a tough week for injuries in Tampa Bay as starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to a pectoral injury and starting right guard Cody Mauch suffered a knee injury. Both were placed on injured reserve and are out for the season.
Starting right tackle Luke Goedeke was also placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating his injured foot. Goedeke is expected to return later this year, but must miss at least four games.
Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka and LG Michael Jordan – Photo by: USA Today
Tampa Bay also might be without Michael Jordan, a practice squad player who has been elevated the past two weeks to start at left guard. Jordan suffered a knee injury against Houston and missed practice this week. Because he’s technically on the practice squad, Jordan has not appeared on the Buccaneers injury report.