Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he prepares for next week’s game. Fans should feel confident he’d be good to go against the New York Jets. The Bucs’ unique 19th overall draft pick out of Minnesota has burst onto the NFL season thus far. He currently is tied for the league lead with three TD receptions in only two games! His status became clearer on Friday but only after he missed two full days of practice this week for undisclosed reasons.
On Friday it was Egbuka’s turn to practice. He was not all in on this special experience, as Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles pointed out. Though that’s obviously a huge limitation, the team does not seem deterred regarding his potential as a player. Egbuka’s big play potential has been critical for the Buccaneers. If he isn’t able to go, the team will need even more from their other receivers.
If Egbuka can’t go, the Buccaneers have no shortage of candidates. None would have been that hard to replace with the depth they’ve now got on their receiving corps. The rookie scored the first touchdown of the Monday night game against Houston, which could put him in-line as a replacement. Another option is Sterling Shepard, another former UDFA who has brought a pro-ready pedigree into the NFL. Rookie Tez Johnson is primed to do some damage. In the meantime, Kameron Johnson is riding high after his 54-yard punt return against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and can make his mark.
The Buccaneers’ offensive game plan would have to change considerably if Egbuka is unable to go. His contributions have been central to CIN’s impressive run over the early part of this season. Now, finding a proper replacement will go a long way towards keeping their offensive firepower flowing. The coaching staff has been monitoring Egbuka’s health leading up to the game.
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