Team news: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Page 6

Lots of updates from Bucs practice:

Not practicing: Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison, Christian Izien.

Practicing: Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, Zyon McCollum, Haason Reddick, Tykee Smith, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Charlie Heck, Sterling Shepard.

As Greg said, lots to take in here, but not a ton of surprises.

As it stands, we're not expecting any positive Week 5 news for Irving or Evans, which locks Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Rachaad White into fantasy-friendly roles, while Mayfield should be in low-end QB1 consideration unless he experiences a setback.

Buccaneers do not fear Bucky Irving’s foot sprain is a long-term injury, per source. The team considers it a week-to week-injury.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

We're assuming this is more of an even split between White and Tucker, but the former should presumably get the bigger chunk of the work, so he's on the RB2/3 fringe.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (bicep) and WR Chris Godwin (ankle) are both expected to play Sunday against the Eagles.

OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) is also expected to make his season debut Sunday along with Godwin. Mayfield was limited all week with his biceps injury but is trending in the right direction and looks to be ready to go for the battle of 3-0 teams early Sunday afternoon. Getting Godwin back is good timing for the Bucs following the loss of Mike Evans with his hamstring injury. Mayfield is our QB17 while Godwin is WR51.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Baker Mayfield (biceps) Tristan Wirfs (knee) and Chris Godwin (ankle) are all questionable for Sunday but trending the right way. Mayfield should be able to play.

Related Players: Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller

Even with Mike Evans out, we can't be certain that the Bucs are going to roll out Godwin with a full complement of snaps in Week 4. Egbuka should be considered a strong WR2, while Godwin is more of a WR4 until we see him back in a full-time role.

The Steelers added RB Jaylen Warren (knee) to the injury report and he's questionable for Sunday vs. Minnesota.

TE Jonnu Smith (hip) and CB Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) are also questionable.

Related Players: Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson, Pat Freiermuth

It would be interesting to see what kind of role Kaleb Johnson would have if Warren misses, but that shouldn't put him in fantasy consideration. If Jonnu misses, Freiermuth would move up in the top-20 TE range.

Chris Godwin was a full participant Wed, had a scheduled day off Thursday and is back practicing today as well as T Tristan Wirfs. Both seem to be on track to play Sunday vs. Eagles. Will update after practice with Todd Bowles.

Related Players: Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller

Even with Mike Evans out, we can't be certain that the Bucs are going to roll out Godwin with a full complement of snaps in Week 4. Egbuka should be considered a strong WR2, while Godwin is more of a WR4 until we see him back in a full-time role.

Bucs WR Mike Evans will miss 3-4 weeks with a moderate hamstring strain.

Related players: Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White

Evans' hamstring injury isn't considered as bad as the injury that caused him to miss three weeks last season. Evans is hopeful of a possible return before Week 7, and avoiding a trip to the IR. Godwin is working his way back from the ankle injury, but likely isn't returning this week. Egbuka should be the team's top target at WR with Shepard sliding in as the second. It's possible Otton, Irving and White see a bump in the passing game. Miller and both Johnsons have played very limited roles so far this season with Miller collecting a 20-yard TD catch in Week 2.

While Bucs coach Todd Bowles said the team does not have MRI results for star WR Mike Evans, he termed the injury as "low-grade" based on the initial diagnosis.

Related players: Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, Rashaad White

As Rapoport went on to say, it's a good sign the injury won't be a longer term one. Still, Evans doesn't seem likely to play in Week 4 against the Eagles, in what is an earlier Sunday game. With Egbuka also battling an injury coming into Week 3, and Godwin projected to miss another week or two, the Bucs are suddenly a bit shorthanded at the WR position. Egbuka did play in Week 3 and led the team with six catches and 85 yards, so he should be good to go at least. But behind him it's possible Irving, White, and Otton see increased work in the passing game. At WR, Shepard and Miller look to be the next men up.

Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka, listed as questionable with hip and groin injuries, is expected to play Sunday against the Jets.

Egbuka missed practice Wednesday but was able to get a limited practice in on Friday, a positive sign for Sunday. The Bucs are already dealing with a number of injuries, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. Egbuka has already busted onto the scene with three tackles touchdowns in his first two NFL games.

Good news for Bucs. WR Emeka Egbuka has returned to practice. WR Chris Godwin and T Tristan Wirfs also working but not expected to play.

Related Players: Mike Evans, Sterling Shepard

Looks like all systems go for Egbuka, who should continue his promising rookie start with WR2 consideration.