Bucs coach: WR Emeka Egbuka game-time decision vs. Lions

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th October, 13:42 2025

NFL: New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) receives a pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was limited in practice on Saturday and is considered a game-time decision to play in Monday's game against the host Detroit Lions, head coach Todd Bowles said.

Egbuka missed the previous two practices this week due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Tampa Bay's 30-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

"It's possible (that he could play versus the Lions). I mean, it's not definite," Bowles said on Saturday of Egbuka, who leads the team in catches (27), receiving yards (469) and receiving touchdowns (five).

"Again, it will go all the way to game time. He wants to play, but it depends on how he feels and how he looks."

Fellow wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) also participated in practice on Saturday for the Buccaneers (5-1) and is expected to be a game-time decision, too.

Evans missed Tampa Bay's games against the Philadelphia Eagles (Sept. 28), the Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 5) and the 49ers. He was injured in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' 29-27 triumph over the New York Jets on Sept. 21.

Bowles, however, ruled out wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula), running backs Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) and Josh Williams (concussion) as well as guard Luke Haggard (shoulder) versus the Lions (4-2).

--Field Level Media