Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III scored his first career touchdown during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Hurst caught a 40-yard deep ball from quarterback Baker Mayfield during the first half of Sunday's game. Hurst didn't do anything else after that, finishing with one reception on four targets in the loss. The rookie wideout has made some solid plays early in the season and is hopeful to get a larger role as the season goes on. Hurst could be an interesting deep league stash option, but his value could take a hit with Jalon Daniels likely taking over under center for a few weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) could miss anywhere from six to eight weeks after he was diagnosed with a sprained left PCL on Monday, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. It is a tough break for a Bucs offense that will also be without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield for at least the next three games due to a dislocated right thumb that he suffered in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old McMillan had a 37-461-8 line in 13 games as a rookie with the Bucs in 2024, but he played in only four games a year ago due to a serious neck injury. He has been dealing with a knee injury since training camp this year, and in the two games that he has played, McMillan has zero catches on just one target. It was obvious that McMillan has not been right in some time, and he will most likely be placed on Injured Reserve. For now, he belongs on the waiver wire in most leagues. McMillan's injury opens up more playing time for impressive rookie Ted Hurst III, although his fantasy appeal should be tempered with undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels set to take over the offense for the next three weeks.

For at least the next three weeks, rookie undrafted quarterback Jalon Daniels will start under center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after starter Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, according to the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. In relief of Mayfield on Sunday, Daniels went 0-for-3 passing with an interception, so it was an inauspicious start to his NFL career. His interception came on a Hail Mary attempt as time expired in the fourth quarter. Daniels has plenty of athleticism -- he has a strong arm and plenty of scrambling ability -- but his lack of accuracy will be a problem in his first extended run as a starter in the NFL for an 0-3 team. Daniels will make the first start of his career in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, and he will only be in play as a desperation QB2 option in deep superflex leagues. The Packers' defense/special teams unit will be a popular streaming option this week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) will miss "a minimum of three weeks" with a dislocated right thumb that he suffered on Sunday in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Todd Bowles told Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. The Bucs will not place him on Injured Reserve as of now, and the Bucs will lean on undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels as the starter, beginning with a Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Mayfield received good news from his MRI exam, as tests showed that he did not suffer a fracture or any tendon or ligament tears. However, he is still going to miss some time over the next couple of weeks, so fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues are going to need to adjust. If Mayfield heals quickly and properly, he could be in play to make his return for a Week 7 divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers. After an injury-plagued and disappointing 2025 campaign for the 31-year-old, Mayfield is off to a bad start in 2026, going 0-3 and throwing for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that running back Bucky Irving, who did not play much on the team's final drive on Sunday in another loss to the Minnesota Vikings, is not injured and is not on the injury report, according to River Wells of Bucs Gameday. The 24-year-old was kept on the sideline for a long stretch to close out Sunday's contest, leading many to speculate that he was hurt. Fortunately for Irving's fantasy managers, he is not dealing with any physical ailments. Irving saw 15 carries and ran for 46 yards (3.1 yards per carry) while catching two of his four targets for 12 yards in the passing game in the 23-16 loss to the Vikings. Quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb late on Sunday and is going to miss time, so both Irving and Kenny Gainwell could be leaned on more, starting in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels now in line to start for at least the next game. Through three games in 2026, Irving has 180 rushing yards and one touchdown while catching 13 passes for 61 yards in a Bucs offense that has yet to truly find its groove under new coordinator Zac Robinson.

Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield's (thumb) MRI exam on Monday showed no additional damage to his dislocated right thumb, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mayfield is still likely to miss time, but it is relatively good news based on testing. The veteran signal-caller will get a second opinion. Mayfield suffered a gruesome dislocated thumb late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and immediately came out of the game in favor of undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. The good news is he avoided any fractures or tendon/ligament damage, so he could return in as soon as two weeks. In the meantime, fantasy managers who have been starting Mayfield in two-QB superflex leagues are going to need to go in another direction. With Daniels looking likely to make his first NFL start in a Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, fantasy managers will also need to downgrade all of Tampa's offensive skill players with Mayfield set to miss some time in the next couple of weeks. Before injuring his thumb on Sunday, the 31-year-old Mayfield had another disappointing day at the office, throwing for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is believed to have suffered a dislocated right thumb during Sunday's Week 3 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, but the expectation is that he'll miss two to four weeks, at a minimum. If the MRI reveals any ligament damage, he could miss more than a month. Losing a starting quarterback is the last thing the Bucs need right now, as they're 0-3 and trying to dig out from the basement of the NFC South. Rookie Jalon Daniels will step in as the Buccaneers' starter until Mayfield is healthy enough to play again. Daniels was a preseason sensation, but he came back down to earth in his limited action on Sunday, going 0-for-3 passing with one interception.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell could be a solid waiver-wire option if Bucky Irving (undisclosed) is injured and misses time. Gainwell had three carries for -4 yards and added two receptions for 14 yards in the 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite his struggles, Irving did not see the field in the final 10 minutes of the game and had a wrap around his midsection as he watched from the sideline. If he misses time with this undisclosed injury, Gainwell and Sean Tucker would be the primary beneficiaries. Tucker has yet to record a stat this season and has played only one snap in two games, while Gainwell has played 42% of the snaps in three games. The Buccaneers could be without quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb), but despite that, their offensive struggles, and Gainwell's inefficiency, he should be monitored if Irving does not practice this week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (undisclosed) struggled to find success on the ground during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He carried the ball 15 times for 46 yards, while hauling in two receptions for an additional 12 yards through the air. It was a disappointing day for Irving, who was possibly injured in the fourth quarter. The third-year back didn't play and was seen standing on the sideline during the final 10 minutes of Sunday's loss. The organization hasn't said anything about an injury, but Irving sitting out in a one-score game during the final quarter is strange. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on his status ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) reportedly suffered a dislocated right thumb, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mayfield is expected to get an MRI on Monday to assess the damage, but is likely to miss time, per Rapoport. Mayfield left a 23-16 Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings late in the fourth quarter. Mayfield walked off the field with medical staff, while clutching his hand, before heading back to the locker room for further evaluation. Unfortunately for Mayfield, the injury took place on a fourth-and-13 play in which he was intercepted by Minnesota linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Tampa Bay backup quarterback Jalon Daniels will likely start for the Buccaneers if Mayfield does miss any time.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (hand) exited late in the fourth quarter of a 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 with an apparent hand injury. According to Buccaneers reporter/writer Brianna Dix, Mayfield walked off the field with medical staff while clutching his hand. He was later spotted headed to the locker room. The play happened on a fourth down in which Mayfield was intercepted by Minnesota linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. The severity of the injury is not yet known. If Mayfield is forced to miss time, backup quarterback Jalon Daniels will be thrust into action for the Bucs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced via the X platform. McMillan was targeted once and didn't record a catch before exiting Sunday's game. The third-year receiver missed most of training camp and Tampa Bay's season-opener because of the knee injury. Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. are active in Sunday's game, and rookie receiver Ted Hurst III has a receiving touchdown on one target for Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game, the team reported via the X platform. McMillan missed most of training camp and was out of the Bucs' season opener because of the knee injury, and didn't make it on the stats sheet when he returned in Week 2. Tampa Bay will continue leaning on Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. to lead the receiving corps.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson is losing his fantasy football appeal after just two weeks of the NFL season. Johnson came into this year as a potential fantasy sleeper following a five-touchdown rookie campaign in 2025. However, he has seemingly fallen out of favor, as he now finds himself fifth on the depth chart and struggling to carve out any sort of role. The 24-year-old has just one catch on five targets this year, and while his reception did go for 49 yards, he's still not fantasy relevant. He's buried in the fifth spot on the depth chart behind Chris Godwin Sr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Ted Hurst. To make matters worse, this Bucs offense has yet to prove it can support numerous fantasy-relevant receivers. At best, Johnson is an end-of-the-bench stash in deep dynasty leagues. He can be avoided in redraft formats.

After missing his team's season opener because of a knee injury, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan returned to the field in Week 2. However, the third-year wideout was hardly utilized, playing just seven offensive snaps and failing to earn a single target. McMillan missed most of training camp with the knee issue, and Tampa Bay may simply be working him back in slowly. Still, the 24-year-old missed nearly the entire 2025 season due to a neck injury, so it's been a while since he was a regular contributor for the Bucs. The Buccaneers also have other options in their wide receiver room. Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. are locked into the WR1 and WR2 roles, and youngsters Ted Hurst III and Tez Johnson have flashed upside as well. At least in the short term, McMillan should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton is coming off a decent performance against the Cleveland Browns last week. The 27-year-old hauled in five of his six targets for 38 yards in the loss. He led the team with his five catches, but he was third on the team in receiving yards. The expectation is that his role as a pass-catcher will be reduced this week. The Minnesota Vikings come to town this weekend for a tough Week 3 matchup. Otton is likely to be used more as a pass-blocker against the blitz-happy Vikings defensive line. He should offer low-end TE2 value, but most fantasy managers can find a more reliable option for this weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan made his season debut versus the Cleveland Browns last week. He has been dealing with a knee issue that sidelined him during the season opener. McMillan was limited to only seven snaps during Sunday's loss to the Browns. The expectation is that his role is going to grow as he gets more practice reps. McMillan has been practicing in full this week and should be a full-go for Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. It's unclear how much McMillan is going to play as the Bucs continue to ramp him up. Fantasy managers shouldn't consider McMillan a safe starting option for this weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III saw a season-high seven targets during last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. The third-round rookie led the team in targets, but it didn't result much fantasy value. Hurst hauled in two of his seven targets for 27 yards in the loss. The hope is that his value will grow down the line as he gets more comfortable with quarterback Baker Mayfield. At the moment, Hurst doesn't offer a ton of weekly value. The Bucs have a crowded wide receiver room, and fellow wideout Jalen McMillan recently returned from injury. It's unclear how much Hurst will play once McMillan is back up to full speed. Fantasy managers should consider Hurst a WR4 for the upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has hauled in every pass thrown to him through the first two weeks of the season. Godwin has seven receptions in two games, but it has only resulted in 86 yards, and he hasn't reached the end zone yet. It hasn't been a bad start to the year for Godwin, but he could get lost in the shuffle in Tampa Bay. The Bucs have a crowded group of receivers, and the passing attack isn't working great early in the season. Godwin should stay involved, but his value might cap out as a flex option. He'll draw a tough matchup in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings defense that didn't allow a passing touchdown last weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been held in check during the first two games of the season. Coming into Week 3, Egbuka has recorded eight receptions for 79 yards with one touchdown. The Bucs offense has struggled as a unit during the first two weeks of the season. It's unlikely going to get much better against the Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 3. A defensive unit that didn't allow a single passing touchdown to the Chicago Bears last week. Egbuka offers big-play ability that makes him difficult to ignore. Fantasy managers should lower their expectations, but Egbuka should be able to at least give low-end WR2 value this weekend.